So at letsrecycle.com, we will try and share some of the feel-good stories we have received from all of you in the waste and recycling sector. 

We’ll update this page regularly, so if you have any cheerful and light-hearted items you would like us to include, please send them to joshua.d@letsrecycle.com.

Former binman and X Factor star applauds refuse workers

In the midst of the UK wide effort to limit the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2005 X Factor star and former binman, Andy Abraham, is highlighting the sterling work of our refuse collectors.

Mr Abraham, who worked as refuse collector before finding fame as the second-placed runner-up to Shayne Ward in 2005, is doffing his cap to the many thousands across Britain getting rid of our waste.

“NHS and care home workers are doing something truly incredible and it’s been great to see everyone out on their doorsteps applauding them every Thursday evening,” he said.

“When I go out on our doorstep, though, I also spare a thought for some other people whose efforts sometimes go unappreciated – our binmen. It’s a tough job and often dirty work but, without their graft and hard work, we’d be in a real mess. Literally.

“A few people will remember the Seventies, when there was industrial action and a lot of things went wrong in this country. The first thing people tend to say about that is to remind us that the rubbish piled up on the streets because nobody was collecting it.

“I remember it only vaguely but the stench has stayed with me, so I’d really like to thank Britain’s refuse collectors for everything they’re doing to stop an already terrible situation getting worse for us all. Their work is a vital for public health and they don’t often get the credit they deserve.”

With some refuse collection and waste services affected by workers falling ill or self-isolating, councils closing dumps in many areas and, in some cases, the authorities redeploying staff to support other essential tasks, Andy believes there are things we can all do to help.

“As well as showing them our gratitude and a little patience, there are some commonsense steps we can all take to safeguard their health and make their lives easier at this difficult time for all,” he added.

He also spoke about the potential for householders to look at other ways of minimising waste, saying that composting is a “good way to with with a lot of food waste which will lessen the amount of refuse that needs collecting”.

Bolton waste crews respond to Peter Kay

In Bolton, the council’s waste and recycling team has submitted its audition on Twitter  to be featured in Peter Kay’s recreation of his iconic Comic Relief music video to Tony Christie’s smash hit, “(Is This The Way To) Amarillo”. As LARAC chair, Carole Taylor, remarked, no bins were hurt in this performance.

You asked for it @peterkay_co_uk so our waste and recycling key workers delivered! Here’s our brilliant Bolton bin collectors recreating the iconic @comicrelief ‘Is this the way to Amarillo’ video! ♻️ @Recycle4Bolton @BBCCiN #BigNightInAmarillo #BigNightSpin #MyAmarillo pic.twitter.com/X39nFiQEcj

— Bolton Council (@boltoncouncil) April 22, 2020

We love it!

Wiltshire residents thank Hills crews

Residents of Wiltshire are showing their appreciation for local crews who are collecting rubbish and recycling from households during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nicola Towell, collection contract manager for Hills Municipal Collections, said : “We have been touched to receive pictures, handwritten notes and social media posts saying thank you.  The notes and pictures have been attached to bins, fences and walls and have thank you messages for our collection teams who are working hard under these difficult circumstances.  Residents have been waving from windows and doorways to say thank you – without getting too close – and some of them have been so grateful to see a face and exchange a few words.

“The crews have also received gifts of various treats including chocolates and cakes, and even some free range eggs! Our crews would like to say a massive thank you back to everyone for their kindness.”

Hills Municipal Collections is the contractor responsible for the collection of household waste and recycling from residents on behalf of Wiltshire Council.