Poole-based waste and recycling charity Win on Waste has rewarded local recyclers in their Recycling Awards, which have returned for the first time since 2019.
After nominations from the public in seven categories, trophies were given to local individuals and businesses who go the extra mile in recycling and sustainability across the BCP and Dorset Council areas.
The judging panel was impressed by the range of sustainable activities being undertaken in the local area, all with the goal of reducing and reusing waste. They were particularly pleased that the two young recyclers in the Under 17 category were so willing to contribute their time in their local areas.
The awards were handed out by Mayor of Poole, Cllr Jo Clements.
Among those recognised was Oly Rush from Project Planet (https://projectplanet.earth/), who was named the winner in the ‘Adult Recycler’ and ‘Number One Recycler’ categories. Oly works tirelessly to raise awareness of the prevalence of ocean plastics and undertakes landmark ocean swims, such as his latest project, a circumnavigation swim around the Island of Ithaca.
The evening was also a double celebration for Win on Waste, as they celebrated their 10th Birthday – Win on Waste has been running community-based projects since 2013 and the return of the Recycling Awards marked the finale of a year of celebrations, which saw them raise over £16,000 in funding, welcome 4000 local households to their services and deal with 5 tonnes of common household waste.
Full list of winners:
- Adult recycler (18+) – Oly Rush (W), Gary, InExcess Parkstone (RU)
- A team of recyclers from a private/statutory/voluntary organisation (where its main business is recycling) – Weymouth & Portland Marine Litter Project (W), Circular11 (RU)
- A team of recycling volunteers (a group of individuals who come together to recycle) – Verwoodians on Waste (W), Cards for Sudan at St Michael’s Church (RU), Highly Commended: Bournemouth Recycle, Colehill Kindness and Recycling Group, Swish It, Sturminster Marshall Evening WI
- The No 1 recycler (a person who has really gone the extra mile) – Oly Rush (W), Sharon Valler (RU)
- Young recycler (age 17 and under) – Oliver Merritt, Hali from Life with Hali (Joint Winners)
- A private/statutory/voluntary organisation whose employees recycle (but not where its main business is recycling) – Tesco Ferndown (W), Upton Tea Rooms (RU)
- School or college – Yarrells School (W), Ocean Academy (RU)
