Waste Site Intervention Framework (wsif)
Framework Description
The Waste Site Intervention Framework (WSIF) is an Environment Agency procurement for specialist services at high-risk waste and landfill sites in England. It has three lots: abandoned landfill management, waste removal from unpermitted or abandoned sites, and waste-related technical advisory services. The Environment Agency is still developing the framework and is using market engagement to refine its commercial model and procurement approach.
Context & Use Case
The Environment Agency applies the polluter-pays principle, so it steps in only in exceptional circumstances where serious environmental or public health risks remain unresolved, including sites linked to illegal waste activity. WSIF will give it rapid access to contractors and advisers when that happens. Typical call-outs could involve stabilising an abandoned landfill, clearing illegally deposited waste or assessing risk before a remediation decision.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Abandoned Landfill Management Lot 2: Waste Removal from Unpermitted or Abandoned Waste Sites Lot 3: Waste-Related Technical Advisory Services
Lots
Yes: Lot 1 - Abandoned Landfill Management; Lot 2 - Waste Removal from Unpermitted or Abandoned Waste Sites; Lot 3 - Waste-Related Technical Advisory Services
Who Can Apply
Suits waste management contractors, landfill operators and remediation specialists for Lots 1 and 2, and environmental consultancies for Lot 3. The framework is Coming soon, so suppliers cannot join yet. They should take part in engagement and prepare to bid for one or more lots when the tender opens.
Buyer Benefits
The Environment Agency needs contractors it can mobilise quickly to a site that poses a real threat, without starting a procurement in an emergency. Separate lots match works and advice to the right specialists. Buyers will value rapid mobilisation, safe handling of hazardous or mixed waste, permitted disposal routes and sound technical judgement.
Next Steps
Check the Environment Agency's procurement pages on GOV.UK for engagement material and, later, the tender. Decide which lots fit your capability, and gather evidence of emergency or reactive waste work, licensed disposal capacity, landfill management or technical advice. Responding to engagement gives you a chance to shape lot design before the tender is published.
How Athena Can Help
WSIF is still being shaped, which makes this a good time to plan. Athena's bid/no-bid and partnering advice can help you decide which of the three lots to pursue and whether to partner, for example pairing a removal contractor with a technical adviser. When the tender opens, our specialist bid writers would write responses around mobilisation, safe handling and environmental compliance, and run a Bid Health Check before submission. To sit alongside WSIF, our framework mapping service can map other environmental and waste frameworks that are open or due to open.
