This study presents a methodology for achieving maximum circularity when it comes to tenders for domestic waste processing. The methodology, developed by CE Delft in collaboration with Attero, can be used for residual waste, greenwaste and PMD waste, and embraces a range of options for increased sustainability. It can be seen as a first step towards a Sustainable Procurement criteria document. This report is a 2021 update of Version 1.1, published in 2019.
December 2016 saw the first round of endorsement of the Sustainable Public Procurement Manifesto (Dutch: Manifest MVI) by numerous municipal authorities. This Manifesto sets out ambitions going beyond mere minimum requirements for sustainable procurement. Some of the signatories are also active in the field of circular procurement and have signed the Green Deal on circular procurement. For many product groups like catering, electricity and transport there are official criteria documents in the ‘MVI’ framework administered by the Interior ministry. For waste processing tenders by or on behalf of local government there is presently no criteria document.
Despite all these national and regional initiatives and ambitions, not all municipal authorities take sustainability into account in tenders for domestic waste processing, while those that do find sustainable procurement in this area complex and adopt a wide range of approaches, even though waste policy brings together key sustainability issues like climate, energy and resources (circular economy).
For these reasons CE Delft has developed a methodology for sustainable tendering of waste processing for the following waste streams:
In this 2021 Version a number of indices have been updated and (on request) additional explanations provided, while a sliding scale has been introduced for waste processing efficiency.