The seafront event raised money for the Alzheimer’s Society and was organised by Refuse Vehicle Solutions (RVS) of Gloucestershire.
17 teams took part in the championships, including Simply Waste, Kier, two teams from Swindon council, All Aspects Solutions, Hills Waste Solutions, Cartwright Skips, Grist Environmental, Devon Contract Waste, Weir Waste, Pirtek, Aylesbury Vale district council, Biffa, Equinox Recycling, FCS Cleaning and two teams from Amey.
Above: video of the final race at Weston-super-Mare
Headline sponsors of the event, Dennis Eagle, said: “When Dennis Eagle first supported the World Refuse Championships in Worthing back in 1994, it was immediately apparent just how passionate the nation’s bin men and women are about their job and the work they do.
“We are delighted that RVS has decided to re-launch this really exciting event and that they’ve engaged with partners across our industry to share in what we’re sure will be a hugely successful day.”
Run and load
Each team consisted of five people – including one driver – working in pairs and taking turns to run, load a wheelie bins (240 litre and 1100 litre bins) with stones and push it 50 metres to an awaiting refuse vehicles to empty.
The competition consisted of a series of timed heats, followed by final race in the afternoon between the two remaining teams.
The final race was between Grist Environmental of Devizes, Wiltshire and Aylesbury Vale district council, with Aylesbury narrowly clinching first place. The race was followed by a medals ceremony and closing speech from Spencer Law, managing director of Refuse Vehicle Solutions.
Above: video interview with Spencer Law
In his speech Mr Law said the event had raised in the region of £13,500 for the Alzheimer’s charity.
The winning team consisted of driver Ed and loaders Dan, Dan, Ashton and Tiago who each won a £600 Centre Parks voucher. The team in second place won family Alton Towers tickets and those in third place were awarded a spa day.
After receiving their medals, the team from Aylesbury Vale district council told letsrecycle.com it had been an ‘awesome day’.
Excellent
Ed Bolton, driver for the winning team, said: “For something that hasn’t been running for 21 years it was organised brilliantly. All the teams were excellent and I can’t believe we won.”
Mr Bolton added: “We’re already looking forward to coming back next year to defend our title as reigning champions.”
A spokesperson for Alzheimer’s Society said: “It’s fantastic that RVS has chosen to unite with us against dementia and we’re delighted to be chosen as their charity partner for the National Refuse Championships.”
The day-long competition was followed by live music provided by tribute bands for The Wurzels, Elvis and Rod Stewart.
Sponsors, lead by Dennis Eagle, included Epic Media, NTM, Boughton, Gullivers Truck Hire, and Vehicle Weighing Solutions Ltd (VWS).
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