Kent County Council has published a procurement opportunity for gas and aerosol recycling and processing services with an estimated value of value not disclosed. The submission deadline is See official notice, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-08, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

The Kent County Council (KCC) has procured a contract to provide recycling and processing services for gas and aerosol waste deposited at all 19 Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across the county. The contract involves the collection, sorting, storage, transporting, processing, recycling reuse and recovery of all gas bottles and aerosol waste. A wide range of gases and aerosols are deposited at the Authority's HWRCs. The most frequently deposited materials during the 2024/2025 period include: •Aerosols •Canisters •Nitrous Oxide •Hard Case Canisters •Fire Extinguishers •Disposable Helium •MAPP substitutes (propylene, or with propane or isobutane) •Gas Cylinders Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Minimum Requirements The supplier is required to have in place: •A waste processing facility with appropriate permitting and planning permissions. •Provide the Authority with signage for the cages or containers including branding and hazard signage. •The ability and capacity to collect as required ad-hoc waste from the Authority and waste collection Authorities within Kent. •A facility which is able to manage the processing of all gas and aerosols. •An appropriate method of weighing-in materials collected (preferably an electronic weighbridge) to provide the council with the appropriate management information (including weigh-loader transaction listings); and •robust service contingency plans to ensure continuity of services in the event of plant failure, etc. The published award value is based on projected waste volumes and collection requirements. These values are subject to change and will be adjusted in accordance with the actual waste processed and collections undertaken throughout the contract term.

Kent County Council is the contracting authority for this procurement. The estimated contract value is value not disclosed and the submission deadline is See official notice. Suppliers should download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to businesses with relevant experience and qualifications. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing for a contract of value not disclosed, and hold relevant professional certifications and insurance.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, Kent County Council must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots accessible to smaller businesses.

• Proven track record in professional services contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a value not disclosed contract
• Relevant certifications: relevant professional certifications and insurance
• Capacity to mobilise within Kent County Council’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the See official notice submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031824-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before See official notice: Late submissions are not accepted under UK procurement rules

What the buyer will evaluate

Kent County Council will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. For professional services contracts, buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion — demonstrate specific, costed commitments to local employment, skills, or environmental sustainability.

Writing a winning bid

The most common reason bids fail is generic content that does not address the buyer’s specific requirements. Kent County Council has stated precise objectives — your bid must demonstrate you have read and understood them.

• Lead with an executive summary addressing Kent County Council’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before See official notice

Key dates and next steps

The submission deadline is See official notice. Competitive bids for professional services contracts require two to three weeks of preparation. Following submission, Kent County Council will typically complete evaluation within four to eight weeks.

• Download all documents from Find a Tender today
• Confirm your organisation meets all eligibility requirements
• Assign a bid lead and set internal milestones now
• Submit clarification questions as early as possible

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires Kent County Council to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers. Check for lots designed to be accessible to smaller businesses.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The See official notice deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

How long does evaluation take?

Kent County Council will notify all bidders once evaluation is complete. Allow four to eight weeks from the submission deadline.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031824-2026. Always use the official source.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kent County Council or the UK government.