MBE for LARAC’s Colin Kirkby

Mr Kirkby received the award for services to the environment and the community in Powys, where he lives in the town of Presteigne. It is understood that the award recognises both his contribution to developing and promoting recycling as well as his work on a voluntary basis for a number of organisations.

Colin Kirkby who has been awarded an MBE for his work for the environment and the community

Speaking to letsrecycle.com, Mr Kirkby said he was delighted to be awarded the MBE, adding: “It is amazing, you plod away for 30 years on environment and waste and it is touching that people think enough of you to put you forward for the honour.”

Presteigne

He started working on recycling in Presteigne in 1987, when recycling of household waste was in its infancy, with the development of a bring site which went on to win six national awards. Presteigne reached a 30% recycling in 1994, well ahead of the rest of the UK.

Mr Kirkby recalls: “We had the most comprehensive bring site anywhere collecting newspapers, cans through to stamps and spectacles. We also won recycling credits off Radnorshire county council as they realised we were saving them money.

“Over the weekend,” he remarked, “I have been approached by many local people wishing me congratulations. In a way, I have to say that people here have been very good guinea pigs in getting community recycling going – it involves all the community and it is their scheme.”

In Cardiff, Mr Kirkby helped develop the idea of commingling with the introduction of a green commingling sack in 1990, which he said “makes me feel almost the father of commingling”.

LARAC

He was an early supporter of LARAC getting involved before the turn of the millenium, and subsequently becoming executive officer for the recycling officers’ organisation in 2001. “It has just been a great role for the 11 or so years. I have been in the middle when there has been so much change in recycling and also within LARAC.”

Latterly, he has been involved in Presteigne’s zero waste work, chairing its activities and helping to secure funding support from the Welsh government. The town has now reached a 74%+ recycling rate.

The MBE also recognises Mr Kirkby’s contribution to the community including his five terms of office as mayor of his home town and other activities such as being a volunteer fireman.

Joy Blizzard, chair of LARAC, said the was “thrilled” that “Colin has received an MBE. I could think of nobody who deserved an MBE more. I only see one facet of Colin’s dedication to recycling and the environment but there is also all his voluntary work and his dedication to his local community.”

Ms Blizzard added: “For LARAC, he is one of the originals who was there right at the beginning and that knowledge is an invaluable factor in LARAC’s success. I wonder how he still manages to find the time to fit a pint glass in his hand!”

For the full Queen’s Birthday Honours list, click here.