Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has agreed to extend its waste services contract with Cory for a further two years, with an option for an additional two-year period, ensuring the continuity of essential waste management services.
The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, will see Cory continue to manage the main waste reception, reuse and recycling centre (RRC), and waste reception treatment services. These services are currently provided by Cory utilising council facilities at Northumberland Wharf, the transfer station, and the reuse and recycling centre.
The extension comes as negotiations on pricing and social value commitments with the current provider continue. A commitment has been made to dedicate at least 10% of the contract value to social value and community benefits, estimated at £1 million. This commitment to social value is considered very important, with the intention that all community benefits will be delivered through the council.
Specific social value initiatives being considered include apprenticeships, which will be centralised and delivered by the council. Any small grants will also be managed by the council, preventing the provider from making direct grants to third parties. The council will take a borough-wide view on these benefits, rather than focusing on smaller, localised areas.
The overall contract value will be disclosed once negotiations are concluded. The initial two-year extension's estimated value, before the full disclosure, is linked to the £1 million earmarked for social value and community benefits.
Further details on the contract and the ongoing negotiations can be found in the Public reports pack 15th-Jul-2026 15.00 Cabinet and the Agenda frontsheet 15th-Jul-2026 15.00 Cabinet.