As people across the country gear up to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee this weekend, councils and waste management companies are reminding residents to make sure they manage their waste and recycling responsibly.
On the pageant route, waste management company Veolia Environmental Services is preparing to undertake clean-up operations which could see it collect approximately 30 tonnes of bunting, flags, banners and champagne bottles.
Veolia expects the clean-up to take between two and three hours and in a bid to complete the task on time the firm has lined up 70 staff, an increase of 90% on the usual area maintenance team; 21 vehicles including hot flushing vehicles; and, over 40 brooms.
Commenting on Veolias forthcoming efforts Pascal Hauret, London director for municipal services at the firm, said: Jubilee fever has swept the nation and Veolia is proud to be clearing up after the celebrations. Our experience cleaning up after Kate and Williams big day in 2011 will stand us in good stead for the special day with 90% extra staff on hand to clean up in record time following this momentous occasion.
Councillor Ed Argar, cabinet member for city management at Westminster, added: Westminster plays host to many big events every year, but this one is 60 years in the making, and we are determined to make sure the city is looking at its best for everyone, and to leave it clean for our residents after the crowds have gone home. We hope all the well-wishers have an enjoyable and safe day to remember.
Grundon
Elsewhere Colnbrook-based Grundon has decorated one of its ‘Kwik Zip’ poster carrying refuse collection vehicles to mark the event. The company is one a small number of waste and recycling firms to operate by ‘royal appointment’ after being granted the Royal Warrant by the Queen in 2009.
Norman Grundon, chairman of Grundon, said: “As another long standing family business we are delighted to celebrate Her Majestys Diamond Jubilee. We are immensely proud to be the holders of her Royal Warrant and look forward to being of loyal service for many years to come.”
Councils
Meanwhile local authorities are also making preparations for the long bank holiday. In a bid to tackle the increased amount of waste and recycling anticipated over the weekend, Central Bedfordshire council has offered its residents some top tips for ensuring street parties stay waste free.
The tips are:
- Reduce waste before you start – try to use re-usable items wherever possible such as washable plates, cups, cutlery and tablecloths;
- Reuse leftover food – buy or make the right amount of food for the number of people youre expecting;
- Recycle as much as you can – its best to position the recycling bins somewhere visible on the day, so people remember to recycle.
Councillor Brian Spurr, executive member for sustainable communities at Central Bedfordshire, said: This is an historic occasion and residents may be planning either a private or street party to celebrate. We would encourage them to remember to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible at their events, however big or small. Also remember there are over 100 local bring bank recycling points across Central Bedfordshire to recycle any empty glass bottles and jars after your party.
Elsewhere Rhondda Cynon Taf council in Wales is also calling for residents to make sure they dispose of their waste and recycling correctly.
Nigel Wheeler, service director for streetcare, said: This very special Bank Holiday is not only a great opportunity to get to know your neighbours and celebrate this fantastic occasion, but a chance for residents to champion the green fight and encourage their friends and families to keep recycling.
Collection
Throughout the country councils are communicating with residents as waste and recycling collections are expected to be interrupted over the weekend. Whilst some councils – such as Bristol city, Cheshire West and Chester and Colchester borough councils – report no changes to collections others are rescheduling them, including; Ipswich borough; Newcastle city; and, Watford borough councils.
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