Published: 18 July 2025
Cheshire East Council has awarded a new seven-year contract to FCC Environment to operate the borough’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Starting this September, the contract is set to deliver significant cost savings, modern site upgrades, and a range of community-focused benefits.
Investing in better facilities
Under the new agreement, residents can look forward to improvements across sites, including:
- New cabins and upgraded signage
- Enhanced fencing and surface repairs
- Drainage and improved access at the Macclesfield site
To ensure fair use, new features like number plate recognition and a meet and greet system will help keep the facilities reserved for Cheshire East residents only. In addition, people will now be able to donate medical and IT equipment directly at their local recycling centres.
Supporting communities and the environment
FCC Environment will also invest in the community by:
- Creating local jobs and apprenticeships
- Donating £10,000 annually to support local projects
- Partnering with charities through reuse schemes
- Hosting volunteering opportunities and school visits to encourage recycling
Even local wildlife is set to benefit, with insect hotels planned for each site to help boost biodiversity.
As part of the council’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2045, FCC Environment has committed to reducing carbon emissions and working towards net zero throughout the lifetime of the contract.
Expanding rural access with mobile HWRCs
From 1 September, the mobile HWRC service will be expanded to better serve rural areas — especially those outside a 20-minute drive to a permanent site or where higher rates of fly tipping have been recorded.
The service will also be extended from two to four hours during each visit.
Planned locations include:
- Poynton East / Disley
- Audlem / Wrenbury
- Congleton
- Macclesfield
- Wilmslow
- Middlewich
- Crewe
Final schedules and sites are still to be confirmed.
Council and FCC Environment leaders comment
“This contract brings real benefits for our residents, environment and communities, while saving the council money,”
said Councillor David Jefferay, Chair of Cheshire East Council’s Environment and Communities Committee.
“It’s a big step forward for waste and recycling in Cheshire East and will improve how our sites operate.”
“We already operate over 100 household waste recycling centres nationwide, so we’re well-placed to deliver excellent service here,”
added Chris Ellis, FCC Environment Operations Director.
“This contract will not only deliver cost savings and upgrades but also bring wider community benefits. We’re delighted to have been trusted with this responsibility.”
The booking system currently used for weekend and Bank Holiday visits to HWRCs will remain in place.
