The contract, which will run until mid-October, will see Fiveways empty 18 underground bins which have been installed by the council to service a new housing development in the borough.
The bins, which separately collect both recycling and general waste, are located in three areas of the site all of which are easily accessible for residents.
The benefits of underground containers include their ability to offer excellent capacity (each bin holds approx. 5,000 litres, the capacity of more than 4 Eurobins) while minimising the footprint and visual impact above ground.
Waste collected from the containers is transported to Renewi’s Frog Island materials recycling facility for further processing.
Commenting on the contract Fiveways’ business development director, Emma Chessman said: ‘Whilst underground containers are rapidly increasing in popularity there are still not many waste companies or traditional hire companies that have these specialist vehicles in their fleet.
‘When Havering found it difficult to find an interim service provider, we were delighted to be able to step in and offer a solution, especially as this is a part of our business that we are keen to continue to grow.’
Cllr Barry Mugglestone, cabinet member for environment, said: ‘This new waste collection format might look like high-quality street furniture, but they help to encourage our residents to recycle, are completely self-contained and mean there’s no unsightly over-flow or bad smells.
‘I’d like to extend my thanks to the Fiveways team for helping Havering Council and our residents at New Green, Rainham.’
Fiveways were approached to deliver the interim solution whilst Havering await delivery of a new 26-tonne 6x2 vehicle from Dennis Eagle which will be fitted with the specially mounted crane required to lift and empty underground containers.
