Manchester bin men form secret dance crew
Some of Viridor’s ‘finest’ refuse workers have put their dancing skills to the test, appearing on Ashley Banjo’s Secret Street Crew on Sky 1 last night (October 12).
Now in its third series, the show – which sees Ashley Banjo and Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity secretly teach unlikely groups how to street dance – featured five Manchester-based bin men eager to show ‘another side’ to their job.
As part of the filming, the Viridor crew met the entertainers at one of the firm’s waste transfer stations in Bury, where they performed a dance routine inside the recycling block.
Their training culminated in a dance routine at the Trafford Centre’s Great Hall following the Recycle for Greater Manchester ‘Rethink Fashion’ show.
Joe Parker, a 23-year-old member of the crew, said: “Whenever we say we work in the waste industry people immediately think that we’re scruffy and smelly which isn’t always true. I really enjoy my job and the people I work with are great. Being part of a street crew was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I’m very happy that I’ve done it.”
Veolia signs three-year contract with Siemens UK
Waste management firm Veolia has been awarded a three-year contract to provide recycling and treatment services for Siemens UK.
The deal, worth almost £6 million, was split over four contracted lots with Veolia supplying recycling and treatment services for up to 90 Siemens manufacturing sites and offices in the UK.
The contract will also provide ‘specialist solutions’ to on and offshore wind power sites predominantly in Scotland.
Estelle Brachlianoff, Veolia senior executive vice president, UK and Ireland, said: “This far-sighted contract utilises our fully integrated environmental services offering and will enable Siemens to take a holistic approach to its varied waste streams and treat them in a sustainable way, particularly by reusing more of the materials they produce.”
Waste award winner returns from Brazil
A student from the University of Northampton has returned from a Chartered Institution of Wastes Managament (CIWM) funded trip to a waste conference in Brazil.
Robert Reindhardt, who is working towards a master of science in waste management, won the chance to attend the four-day International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) World Congress in São Paulo after CIWM awarded him the James Summer Award.
According to CIWM, the award – worth £1,000 – allowed Mr Reindhardt to forge contacts, exchange ideas, and discuss the future of the ISWA’s Young Professional Group.
Mr Reindhardt said: “I strongly believe in the importance and success of this group as young professionals not only possess agile sensitivities and adaptabilities to change, but also lead change.”
IFP appoints Warren Collin as European trade director
Warren Collin assumes full responsibility for International Forest Products’ recovered fibre trading in Europe today (October 13), following his appointment to the role earlier this month.
Mr Collin has been with the IFP for seven years, in which time he has developed and managed ‘diverse’ business portfolios, and increased IFP’s global presence in end markets.
His appointment follows the departure of IFP’s vice president for recyclates Neil Govan in September after 15 years with the firm. He has joined DS Smith as UK sales and purchasing director.
It is hoped Mr Collin’s prior experience selling into the Chinese and other Asian markets will complement IFP’s position on bulk grades and enhance the value of its products.
A spokesperson for IFP said: “Warren`s appointment will bring strong work ethic, creativity and intelligence and IFP is excited about an enlivened cooperation with our Recovered Plastics business which remains under the expert management of Amie Middleton.
“We have no doubt that Amie and Warren will create a formidable and dynamic partnership enabling the continued growth of IFP`s Dry Recyclate business.”
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