It is with much sadness that we share the news of the passing of June Unwin on 9 February 2024 following a short illness.
June’s first job was with the GLC Scientific branch and amongst other things tested swimming pools in London and the South East. She soon transferred to the GLC waste team starting a life-time interest in waste. On the abolition of the GLC she transferred to the LWRA and then did some consultancy work including a stint at Kent county council.
In 1995 June joined the London borough of Bexley’s Waste and Recycling team, starting a long-term working partnership with Stephen Didsbury and transforming waste collection and disposal in Bexley, before retiring in 2022 at the age of 65. June saw many changes over these 27 years, many of which were implemented by June herself! She was a leading force in helping to keep Bexley number one in London for recycling for 17 years (2004-2021).
She was the ‘Queen of Waste and Recycling’ and will be missed by many in the industry, especially her colleagues in the waste and recycling team. June always knew what to do with the most unusual items that needed disposing of. During her long reign in Bexley, she worked hard to help businesses to dispose of their waste safely, introduced a full kerbside recycling service for residents, going from only collecting newspaper once every four weeks, to the introduction of fortnightly refuse collections. Although this was not an easy ride, June always showed passion which helped drive the waste and recycling team to achieve its goals.
June was always a supportive role model who took so many members of the team under her wing. She watched many of them grow and move on to new roles, which they would not have been able to do without the support of such a great manager. We all appreciate the love and support she gave. She brought dedication, kindness and expertise to her workplace every day and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.
She will be missed by many in the industry, especially her colleagues in the waste and recycling team, who she was not only a colleague to, but also a friend and an office mum.
During this difficult time, we offer our support and condolences to June’s family and loved ones.
Remembering June Unwin (Jules Gaylor words)
So sad to hear of June’s passing.
I first met June 30 years ago when I was new to the waste industry and went to see her to tell her all about the waste containers I was going to be selling her. Short of me arranging to visit David Attenborough to educate him about wildlife, the mismatch in knowledge couldn’t have been wider! I quickly realised that June not only knew everything I needed to know but also everyone I needed to meet!
June quickly recognised my complete ineptitude and luckily for me took me under her wing. She wasn’t just kind to her own staff, she was kind to everybody who came into her life. I remember many times her saying to me ‘we’ll have to walk and talk’ as she was always juggling so many things at once. Before you knew it you were down in the depot helping her fit new lids on bins…
June was also the most fun person to be around. My greatest memories of her were Torbay CIWM conference dinners and the Christmas lunches. June was a ‘people person’, she had this natural skill of putting people at ease. I can remember often entertaining 12 guests at one of those dinners, and looking across to see June on the table, that feeling of comfort that meant I knew everyone would relax and have a good time. I don’t know how you measure that, but whatever it is, June just had it.
I will miss her so much, even her cackling laugh!
Yes I worked with June back in 1985-6 in the GLC and then LWRA. She had a lot of experience and expertise and was always very helpful.