Michael Tracey recognised in Queens Honours List

Mr Tracey, who receives an MBE in the list for services to the waste industry, took over the helm of the Linwood-based company from his father William Tracey in 1984 and was also the founding chairman of the Wood Recyclers' Association when it was established in 2001.

Speaking to letsrecycle.com today about being recognised, Mr Tracey expressed his delight at having received the honour and praised the efforts of those who had helped him along the way.

“Well, I was a wee bit shocked by the whole thing and am delighted obviously,” he said. “I feel a wee bit like a football manager in the sense that you never score a goal but you get all the credit for it. What can I say? I am absolutely delighted.”

While William Tracey Group was originally set up in 1948 as a tyre collecting business, it has since diversified to offer a full range of waste management and recycling services, and operates eight sites across Scotland.

Environment Agency 

Also receiving recognition in the list is Gitty Ankers, of the Environment Agency, who was handed an MBE for services to the recycling and waste industries in Cornwall.

In her role at the Agency Mrs Ankers has been involved in waste initiatives including the Cornish Real Nappy Project (see letsrecycle.com story) and community battery recycling project CoBRA, as well as the anti-litter campaign Clean Cornwall.

She started work in Cornwall county council's waste management department in 1983, before joining the Environment Agency in 1996 – giving her 27 years experience in waste management and regulation.

During this time she has worked closely with the recycling and waste industries in Cornwall to raise awareness of changing environmental legislation, pollution prevention and the importance of minimising the production of waste.

On hearing of the award Mrs Ankers said: “I feel very surprised and humble, but greatly honoured by the award of an MBE and delighted that the hard work of all those around me, without whom I could not have done what I have done, has been recognised.

“I have worked closely with many interested parties, including the private sector, government bodies, local authorities, community groups, charities, individuals, the public and colleagues in the Environment Agency.”

“This award bears testimony to the team effort and determination by all concerned, and the value and importance of taking good care of the wonderful environment that we have been blessed with. I consider this award to be for all those people, who have contributed over the years, to increased environmental awareness in waste management in Cornwall,” she added.

Serco 

Meanwhile, Christopher Hyman, the chief executive of services company Serco, which holds local authority waste and recycling contracts, including the London borough of Bexley (see letsrecycle.com story) received a CBE.

And, the chairman of London Councils and leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington, Merrick Cockell, received a knighthood for services to local government.

Mr Cockell was outspoken in proposing a plastic bag tax be introduced for the capital (see letsrecycle.com story), plans which were withdrawn after the government made similar proposals possible in its Climate Change Act in 2008 (see letsrecycle.com story).