Last week witnessed the arrival of over 30 new refuse freighters, street sweepers, and other vehicles as Epping Forest District Council initiated its new refuse and recycling collection company, Terra Verde Services (TVS). Departing from their base in North Weald Airfield, the first week of TVS's service was highly successful. With a clearance rating of 99.92% and only 96 missed collections out of 125,146 bins collected, it's a remarkable start.

TVS Depot and Operations

The current base at the airfield serves as a temporary facility, housing office space with ICT equipment, welfare facilities for staff, vehicle parking for the waste fleet, a vehicle maintenance facility, and storage. While the main construction on their office is underway, these temporary facilities ensure smooth operations.

The depot plays a crucial role in the collection process. The well-organized vehicle parking allows for efficient loading and unloading of waste. The vehicle maintenance facility ensures that the fleet is always in optimal condition, minimizing breakdowns and ensuring timely collections.

The welfare facilities for staff are essential for their well-being during long working hours. It provides a comfortable space for them to take breaks and recharge.

Very Promising Start

Dave Ward, the Interim Managing Director of TVS, reported a very promising start to the new contract. There were virtually no technical glitches, and the number of significant missed collections was minimal. The transferred staff attended induction training in October, getting ready for the launch.

They practiced driving the brand-new refuse freighters, familiarizing themselves with the technical equipment and receiving their new TVS uniforms. This preparedness translated into a seamless start to the service.

The absence of additional calls to the Council's Customer Services Contact Centre indicates the efficiency and reliability of the new service. Residents have noticed the difference and are satisfied with the performance.

Reliable and Improved Service

Councillor Ray Balcombe, the Cabinet Member for Contracts Delivery, expressed his satisfaction.

"I am really pleased to see the launch last week has gone so well. Waste and recycling collection is a vital service, and the launch of TVS gives us control back for such an important provision. We can now deliver a reliable and improved service that the council and its residents can be proud of."

Officers across the council have worked tirelessly to make the launch a success. Their dedication and commitment have paid off, ensuring a smooth transition to the new service.

Residents are reminded to place their bins on their property boundary by 6:30 am on collection days. This simple measure helps ensure the smooth flow of the collection process.

To stay updated with the latest news, service updates, and reports, residents are encouraged to keep in touch. The council is committed to providing transparent and timely information to its residents.