The First Ark Group consists of five companies that work together with the over-riding purpose of making a real positive difference to our communities and to people's lives. First Ark Group sought bids from service providers to provide waste management and recycling services primarily within the Knowsley area, to support the work undertaken by First Ark's maintenance team, Vivark. Provisions may be required across the North West to support the Group's operational growth requirements.

Services initially required are split into the following lots:

Lot 1: Skip hire;

Lot 2: Waste drop-off and recycling.

As an indication of the profile of skip usage by First Ark to be serviced by lot 1:

Estimated skip usage by size:

— 4 cubic metre: 20 %;

— 8 cubic metre: 75 %;

— 16 cubic metre: 5 %.

Estimated skip usage by type:

— Open: 35 %;

— Locked: 65 %.

The client accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies in the estimates provided. This is for information only, and no guarantees are given, nor are implied as to the value of business that will be placed with the successful service provider(s).

The following provides an indication of the profile of waste dropped off for lot 2:

— recyclable: 65 %;

— non-recyclable: 10 %;

— green waste: 15 %;

— hazardous: 1 %;

— metal: 9 %.

The client accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies in the estimates provided. This is for information only, and no guarantees are given, nor are implied as to the value of business that will be placed with the successful service provider(s).

Service providers will be required to segregate the waste (tipped waste will not be segregated by First Ark operatives for recycling). It will be the responsibility of the service provider to segregate waste and report waste and recycling figures back to First Ark. This management information will form the basis of the invoices.