The Mayor set out his strategic policy framework for managing London’s municipal waste in the London Environment Strategy (LES), published in 2018. Under Proposal 7.2.1(b), the Mayor committed to maintaining a waste contracts register to monitor when waste authority contracts come up for renewal. The register supports joint working and joint procurement, helping London’s waste authorities secure better value for money and harmonise services.
Following consultation with London’s waste authorities, the Greater London Authority (GLA) created two documents that together make up the register:
Contract Expiry Dates – a schedule of expiry dates for waste and recycling collection and disposal contracts.
Waste Contract Procurement – information on waste and recycling contracts that authorities have procured, or are currently procuring, since publication of the LES in 2018.
These documents help authorities understand upcoming procurement activity and identify potential opportunities for collaboration.
Notification duties under section 358 of the GLA Act 1999
Under section 358 of the GLA Act 1999, London waste authorities must notify the Mayor and GLA in writing before commencing a regulated procurement procedure for the provision of waste services. This notification must be given before publishing any statutory notice under the Procurement Act 2023. This duty applies irrespective of the procurement route used.
Authorities operating Direct Service Organisation (DSO)/in‑house arrangements are outside the regulated procurement regime but must still comply with section 358 and notify the Mayor before entering into any new waste‑related contract or arrangement.
Update to GLA engagement on waste contracts (effective from 8 January 2026)
As of 8 January 2026, following national policy developments including Extended Producer Responsibility, Deposit Return Schemes, and Simpler Recycling, the GLA has updated how it engages with London’s waste authorities on waste contracts.
These national changes now provide a clearer and more consistent framework for waste and recycling services across England. In light of this, and to avoid unnecessary additional processes for boroughs, the GLA will no longer review new waste contracts. However, waste authorities must still meet their statutory obligation to notify the Mayor under section 358 of the GLA Act.
The GLA continues to maintain the contracts register and remains committed to supporting boroughs through its close partnership with ReLondon, which provides practical expertise in waste prevention, reuse and recycling.
Contact and further information
Waste authorities can notify the Mayor and GLA of their intention to procure a new waste contract by contacting:
Sam Davies
Senior Policy and Programme Officer
sam.davies@london.gov.uk
Or following the 31st of May 2026:
Tom Harris
Senior Policy and Programme Officer
tom.harris@london.gov.uk