News updates written by CIWM’s commercial partners.
| WasteRecruit | New online assessment tool an early Christmas gift for hiring managers in the waste and resource sector |
| Greyparrot |
Greentech Baltic increases PET recovery revenue by 10% with Greyparrot AI GreenTech
|
| Dennis Eagle |
Dennis Eagle officially opens new Technical Training Centre in Warwick
|
| Contel |
Contel helps Cyngor Gwynedd transform waste fleet safety and visibility with real-time cameras, AI-driven insight and frontline crew confidence
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| Waste Robotics |
Waste Robotics raises the bar for metal recovery with the launch of WR4 system
|
| VEV Services |
From buses to RCVs: How VEV’s environmental innovation can power the waste sector
|
| Nuclear Waste Services |
UlverSTEM: Nuclear Waste Services and Sellafield champion education and careers in nuclear at Cumbria youth event
|
| Vision Techniques |
Vision Techniques join the nation raising vital funds for children and young people
|
| Washed Aggregates Trade Association |
WATA welcomes PAS 402 move from scape group
|
| NTM-GB |
NTM-GB and picker pals partner up to inspire the next generation of recyclers
|
WasteRecruit | New online assessment tool an early Christmas gift for hiring managers in the waste and resource sector
Hiring for some operational roles in waste management can feel like a revolving door. This is especially true for roles that require general skills and tasks that most people assume they can easily do. It’s often thought that there’s nothing much to being a plant operator or weighbridge controller, for example.
The revolving door of continually having to rehire for these roles tells a different story. People don’t last because once on the job they discover it’s about more than pushing a button or overseeing loading. To do well, they have to actually care about the work they’re doing.
The problem is that CV’s never tell hiring managers if candidates care. CV’s detail certifications and work experience. Even reading between the lines of work references doesn’t always indicate a candidate’s approach to work. It’s an ongoing headache for hiring managers because with traditional ways of hiring there’s no way to see how candidates behave on the job until they’re hired.
This early Christmas gift changes that, giving hiring managers insight on how people approach work situations before they’re hired. The bonus is that it eliminates the task of sifting through CV’s to get to a shortlist of candidates. Candidates are assessed individually and remotely – no time taken out of the hiring manager’s busy schedule. The results are scored against a benchmark for the specific role. Hiring managers get a dashboard shortlisting top candidates, showing how they’re likely to behave on the job, before they get the job.
It’s a way to stop the revolving door and find candidates whose behaviour and attitudes align with high performance in specific roles – before interview stage so that hiring managers can fill roles faster, with less risk and greater levels of confidence.
WasteRecruit launched the custom online assessment tool in early November. It provides hiring managers with a way to assess candidates on their skills, attitudes and behaviours tied to a specific role. The tool can be adapted by role, region or company and support hiring for multiple sites.
This online assessment tool was developed to support hiring managers and provide them with a shortlist of candidates showing potential for success in specific roles.
“The growing demand for green skills is placing growing pressure on hiring managers to fill roles effectively and efficiently. Many are turning to AI to assist in reviewing CV’s. While this speeds up that process, it doesn’t address what CV’s miss – attitudes and behaviours. The WasteRecruit online assessment combines technology and a scientific approach to assessing skills, based on 30 year’s recruiting for the resource and renewables sectors.“ – Nick Eva, MD WasteRecruit.
There’s an opportunity for hiring managers to experience the tool for themselves, working through a showcased example of the questions that candidates work through. The showcase example can be accessed via this link: https://buff.ly/ydxGshT. The time required to work through the assessment is just 15 minutes.
For queries contact Nick Eva, MD at WasteRecruit on phone: 01252 353 080 or email: nick@wasterecruit.com.
Greyparrot | Greentech Baltic increases PET recovery revenue by 10% with Greyparrot AI GreenTech
GreenTech Baltic, a Green Group company recovering PET from deposit return schemes and pre-sorted waste streams, have shared results of AI deployment at their Lithuanian sorting facility.
A new case study reveals how the GreenTech team replaced manual bale checks with automated analysis, deploying Greyparrot Analyzer units to gain more detailed insight into product purity.
Technologist and Production Manager Tadas Lenkutis recently explained the scale of AI’s impact on performance monitoring, product quality – and revenue.
From single monthly samples to comprehensive data
Before adopting AI waste analytics, GreenTech Baltic’s facility operators manually split and examined one “representative” bale each month. For every 20 tonnes of material, they gathered data on just 300 kilograms.
A lack of visibility introduced uncertainty, forcing Lenkutis and his team to rely on intuition when blending clear and light blue PET flakes to meet customers specifications.
“We could only look at the final results to measure things like yield”, said Lenkutis. “Everything in between was guesswork.”
To fill that data gap, GreenTech Baltic adopted Greyparrot Analyzer as part of Green Group’s multinational AI strategy in Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia.
Gaining operational confidence with AI waste analytics
A successful calibration process validated Analyzer data against manual checks, prompting GreenTech Baltic’s production team to replace most time-consuming sampling with live analysis.
The facility now gathers continuous data for several tonnes of PET each day. That comprehensive insight has enabled operators to detect contamination earlier, flag low-quality bales and adapt their sorting process as infeed material varies.
“Our entire sampling process has changed”, Lenkutis shared in the recent case study. “We’re accounting for differences across a full day, not just one batch or bale.”
Translating visibility to revenue
The shift from intuition to data during the product blending process has made a direct impact on the Lithuanian facility’s revenue.
The facility estimates a 10% PET recovery revenue increase as a result of Analyzer data, with Lenkutis explaining that the new blending process drives “faster decisions, and increased profitability.”
Detailed composition data helps Lenkutis’ team maintain high proportions of clear PET flakes for customers with strict requirements, and allows them to introduce more light-blue PET when quality requirements aren’t as strict. Fine-tuning the blending process ensures that GreenTech Baltic are meeting precise standards, rather than over or under-delivering.
A pathway to automated operations
Encouraged by the successful replacement of manual sampling, GreenTech Baltic – and Green Group’s wider network of facilities – have hinted at even more sophisticated AI adoption. In Lithuania, the foundation of continuous data is paving the way for further automation:
“I think the next phase of AI deployment will see integrations with equipment, where we can adjust things like line speed”, Lenkutis explained. “In the future, I think that data-driven automation will prove very important.”
Visit Greyparrot’s case study hub to read the full report from GreenTech Baltic, and to learn more about Green Group’s multinational AI strategy.
Dennis Eagle | Dennis Eagle officially opens new Technical Training Centre in Warwick
Dennis Eagle, the UK’s industry leader in the design and manufacture of refuse collection vehicles (RCVs), is enhancing its training offering by opening a new Technical Training Centre in Warwickshire.
Officially inaugurated on 21 October 2025, the new 4,900m2 site combines practical and theoretical content to build confidence in and enrich the knowledge of RCV operators.
Located near the business’ headquarters in Warwick, the new facility will help customers derive greater value from their vehicles through in-depth operator instruction, safe working procedures, and preventative maintenance.
A comprehensive programme of training courses extends across the company’s full range of RCVs, specialist recycling vehicles, and bin lifting systems, providing both Dennis Eagle and Terberg Matec UK technical expertise from one centralised location.
“This evolutionary approach to training is a critical change for the future of our business,” said Geoff Rigg, Aftermarket Director, Dennis Eagle. “The combination of expert-led theory with hands-on practical experience creates impactful, long-lasting value for our customers and ensures operators have the confidence to apply what they learn out in the real world. Our unrivalled industry knowledge and firmly established heritage means there is no one better placed to provide enduring, high-quality training that helps develop sector-leading engineers.”
Alongside the Technical Training Centre, the new building also houses multiple interactive spaces, a practical area, a display area, and a customer handover space, helping to support the business’ expanding production in the UK by increasing its operational capacity.
“The newly opened facility provides the footprint and scope to help bolster our growing operations and further enhance our customer proposition,” said Keith Day, Managing Director, Dennis Eagle.
“As well as increasing the space required to support production growth, it will allow us to showcase our world-class vehicle capability through interactive presentations, practical activities, and engaging environments, enabling customers to get hands-on with our products in a safe and controlled way. The expansion will act as an essential step forward in improving practical product knowledge and safety awareness among our customers and staff.”
The expansion of the company’s facilities is anticipated to create several new jobs in the local area, including roles for engineers, technicians, training, and administrative employees.
Day added: “As the UK’s leading provider of innovative RCVs and specialist vehicles, this new building further demonstrates our commitment to investing in Warwick and the UK, supporting new jobs in the area, providing a positive boost to the economy, and continuing our vital work towards creating safer, cleaner communities.”
Contel | Contel helps Cyngor Gwynedd transform waste fleet safety and visibility with real-time cameras, AI-driven insight and frontline crew confidence
North Wales local authority sees major improvements in operational efficiency, safety compliance and customer service.
Contel, a leading provider of fleet safety and compliance technology, is proud to announce that its upgraded camera and AI-driven system has significantly enhanced fleet operations for Cyngor Gwynedd (Gwynedd Council). The modern solution has delivered real-time visibility, streamlined incident response and improved support for frontline waste crews across a fleet of more than 60 vehicles.
The challenge: outdated technology, poor visibility and rising costs
Cyngor Gwynedd’s existing onboard camera setup required manual download of footage at the end of each day — a process that frequently led to missed or incomplete recordings. Without reliable evidence, the council struggled to challenge insurance claims and had limited insight into daily operations. “Downloads were regularly missed, and key incidents weren’t being captured or reviewed,” says Christopher John Rees, Waste and Recycling Collection Manager. “We were facing a growing number of insurance claims and, without evidence, had no choice but to pay out.”
The system’s shortcomings hindered operational oversight, delayed complaint resolutions, and added to cost pressures on the council’s waste service.
The solution: seamless Contel installation and full fleet upgrade
After a successful demonstration, Contel provided an integrated camera system, designed to work alongside Gwynedd’s existing Bartec Collective back-office system, delivering 360-degree coverage, remote access to footage and a stable, modern platform for fleet safety.
Installation was completed one vehicle per day, ensuring no disruption to daily waste collection, with all vehicles in the northern region of the county fully operational within six weeks.
The impact: faster responses, clearer evidence, stronger accountability
With real-time footage and remote accessibility, Gwynedd Council’s waste team can now respond immediately to resident complaints and incident reports. “When residents contact us saying we’ve left a mess, or that we’ve missed a collection, we can check the footage straight away,” Christopher explains. “In many cases, we can prove rubbish was already there before we arrived, or that bins weren’t presented, saving us return visits and giving us the confidence to explain the situation clearly.”
Senior Team Leader David Carl Jones adds that day-to-day operations now run more smoothly: accurate record-keeping and camera evidence have replaced guesswork and assumption, improving both service quality and crew confidence.
Next-generation safety: AI camera technology and proactive compliance
Following the success of the initial rollout, Contel’s advanced AI-driven camera solution has been added to several of Gwynedd’s vehicles. The upgraded system delivers real-time safety and compliance alerts, flagging issues such as missing personal protective equipment (PPE) or potential hazards during automatic bin lift operations.
“The AI functionality is taking us to the next level,” says Christopher. “It allows us to spot non-compliance and unsafe behaviour in real time, which helps prevent incidents before they happen. It’s helping us keep our workforce safe and meet health and safety obligations more effectively.”
Crew buy-in: working with staff and unions for success
Recognising the sensitivity around camera surveillance, Gwynedd Council engaged in open dialogue with crews and union representatives from the outset, emphasising that the system was designed to protect staff, not monitor them. The approach paid off. “There was a lot of dialogue with the unions and plenty of questions from the crews. Once we explained that the system is there to protect them … they really got on board,” says Christopher, noting a visible improvement in crew pride and engagement.
Ongoing support and long-term benefits
Contel’s support has extended beyond installation, with responsive customer service during rollout and aftercare. The system is easy to operate, and any adjustments or queries have been addressed promptly.
As a result, Cyngor Gwynedd is now benefiting from:
- Faster resolution of complaints and insurance claims
- Better accountability through accurate, timely evidence
- Improved health and safety compliance and real-time risk mitigation
- Enhanced support and confidence for frontline teams
- Fewer unnecessary return visits, improving both cost and efficiency
- Stronger relationships with residents, backed by clear evidence
“It’s been a significant step forward,” concludes Christopher. “We’ve gone from almost no visibility to being fully in control. The new system has reduced our risk, made our service more efficient, and helped us support our crews in the right way. It’s a win across the board.”
Commenting on the partnership, Contel Co-CEO Andy Kelly says: “Cyngor Gwynedd’s experience shows how upgrading fleet technology can drive real results for local authorities. With Contel’s support, the council has built a safer, smarter and more responsive waste service, one that works for staff and residents alike.”
Waste Robotics | Waste Robotics raises the bar for metal recovery with the launch of WR4 system
After extensive beta testing and months of performance validation, Waste Robotics has officially launched the WR4 End of Arm Tool and its AI driven gripper system now generally available to facilities focused on metal sorting and recovery.
We designed the WR4 to meet the real challenges operators face when dealing with heavy, irregular, or tangled metal objects,” said Ziad Akl-Chedid, VP of Product at Waste Robotics. “From day one, our goal was to deliver a tool that not only performs consistently in harsh environments but also simplifies calibration and integration for the teams running it.”
Built for Precision in Metal Sorting
The WR4 system was refined through multiple field deployments in material recovery facilities (MRFs) specializing in metal fractions. Its Pinchr gripper, originally developed for the demanding “meatball” application, is paired with the Fanuc M20 robotic arm, selected for its ideal balance between payload capacity, speed, and durability. This combination delivers the robustness required for heavy metal objects while maintaining the agility needed for high-throughput sorting.
The system’s 3D calibration tools now allow operators to define regions of interest when conveyors are uneven or split, ensuring accurate depth references even in variable layouts. In addition, a 2D camera exposure and gain visualization tool enhances optical calibration, allowing technicians to fine tune illumination and color detection directly from the HMI.
“Every update in this release focuses on operator control,” Akl-Chedid explained. “Whether it’s adjusting camera gain in real time or defining a 3D zero reference for non standard conveyors, the WR4 gives users more visibility and precision without adding complexity.”
Deployment Ready for Today’s MRFs
Version 3.7.0 brings WR4 into full support across all Waste Robotics platforms, joining the WR1, WR2, and WR3 families. Each model is purpose built for a specific material stream: WR1 for bag sorting, WR2 for construction and demolition (C&D) material, and WR3 for plastics recovery. With WR4, facilities handling metal streams now have an equally specialized and field-proven system within the same modular architecture.
Facilities running existing Waste Robotics systems can integrate WR4 with minimal downtime thanks to a new dynamic tool parameterization feature that lets users adjust end of arm settings on site without software redeployment.
These improvements are backed by a suite of performance fixes addressing camera synchronization, calibration consistency, and system ready signal stability, ensuring the WR4 performs reliably in continuous operation.
Accelerating Smarter Metal Recovery
“We’re seeing a growing demand from MRFs looking to automate metal recovery without sacrificing accuracy,” Akl-Chedid added. “The WR4 meets that demand head on. It’s built to pick intelligently, adapt quickly, and deliver consistent performance shift after shift.”
Learn More
Metal recovery facilities and integrator partners interested in deploying the WR4 or requesting a live demonstration can contact Waste Robotics at info@wasterobotic.com or visit https://www.wasterobotic.com.
VEV Services | From buses to RCVs: How VEV’s environmental innovation can power the waste sector
Winning Silver for our Environmental Innovation alongside Stagecoach is more than a proud moment – it’s proof that ambitious, real-world electrification projects can transform even the most demanding fleet operations. And if a busy regional bus depot can do it, so can the UK’s waste industry.
At Stagecoach’s Chesterfield depot, we deployed a fully integrated charging and energy-management system that keeps vehicles reliably on the road from the first collection of the morning to the last return at night.
Powered by VEV-IQ, our smart charging and energy management platform that unifies vehicles, chargers and energy into one real-time view.
The site uses smart charging and behind-the-meter optimisation to intelligently manage load, schedules and operational priorities. This ensures vehicles are ready for service while controlling energy costs and protecting grid limits.
For waste operators, the parallels are clear, RCV fleets face high demands, fixed route schedules, early starts, and tight turnaround times – the same pressure points solved at Chesterfield.
With VEV-IQ providing visibility, automated control and performance-optimised charging, operators can ensure every collection round starts fully powered while managing TCO and cutting carbon.
To find out more about how VEV can help accelerate your decarbonisation journey, contact us at: ask@vev.com.
Nuclear Waste Services | UlverSTEM: Nuclear Waste Services and Sellafield champion education and careers in nuclear at Cumbria youth event
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) and Sellafield attended UlverSTEM last week as an opportunity to enthuse and inspire young people in Cumbria into STEM education and careers.
UlverSTEM is an interactive Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths focused event for 6-16 year olds, held at Ulverston Victoria High School and was attended by over 3,000 students.
At the event, NWS explored topics of geology and nuclear with the students, offering hands on activities to engage and learn. Sellafield facilitated interactive learning around building essential skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity and adaptability alongside an overarching theme of construction.
Tracy Badham, Social Responsibility Manager at Nuclear Waste Services, said:
“NWS has always supported STEM in our communities and UlverSTEM was a great success, it was wonderful to see so many young people eager to learn about geology, nuclear science and engineering.”
“We had lively conversations about the creation of rocks, importance of strong engineering in nuclear, how NWS deals with radioactive waste and the topic of radiation in everyday life.”
Stephanie Hetherington, Educational Outreach Lead at Sellafield, said:
“Educational Outreach is vital in Sellafield. Inspiring young minds aged 6 to 16 across Cumbria means showing them that their classroom subjects aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re stepping stones to real careers.”
“By linking activities to job roles and the national curriculum, we help them see their future in STEM, not as distant or exclusive, but as exciting, inclusive, and achievable. When role models reflect the diversity of our communities, every child can see themselves in their own journey of STEM.”
Nuclear Waste Services and Sellafield are both part of the NDA group, which is responsible for decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy.
Primary School workshops with NWS in Cumbria can be booked via the Centre for Leadership Performance.
More information about Sellafield’s Educational Outreach team can be found here: Education Outreach – Sellafield Ltd.
Vision Techniques | Vision Techniques join the nation raising vital funds for children and young people
Commercial Vehicle Safety and Security specialists, Vision Techniques, raised more than £200 for Children In Need this month by hosting a charity car wash.
The long established vehicle safety and security company joined thousands of people across the UK raising funds to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people.
The team at the head office in Blackburn dressed up in their pyjamas and Pudsey outfits, took in sweet treats such as cakes to share and dug deep to help raise as much as possible.
Managing Director Dave Smith and Workshop Supervisor Keith Procter decided to host a charity car wash too, battling Storm Claudia to wash the cars belonging to employees in the office.
In total Vision Techniques raised £266 and hope this will help make a difference to at least one child’s life.
Dave said: “At Vision Techniques we always want to help the community where we can and this year I thought it would be a great idea to host a charity car wash to raise as much as money as possible.
“If we can help change the life of at least one child, we know we have done our best. I can’t thank my team enough for donating and taking part in the annual event. We look forward to hosting even more fundraising events in the future.”
Vision Techniques are the innovative driving force in vehicle safety and security systems, protecting not only vehicles but also the lives of employees, the public and the environments they operate in.
Loved by some of the largest fleets in the UK, Vision Techniques’ products are influencing and changing safety and security standards across industries daily.
To find out more about Vision Techniques go to: www.vision-techniques.com.
Washed Aggregates Trade Association | WATA welcomes PAS 402 move from scape group
WATA, the Washed Aggregates Trade Association, has welcomed news that the SCAPE Group has become the first framework provider to make the PAS 402:2025 waste management standard mandatory for every project within its portfolio.
This means that any company providing resource management services on a SCAPE public sector project will be required to be PAS 402:2025 compliant, or working towards compliance, from November 1st this year.
SCAPE, a not-for-profit organisation providing procurement frameworks for public sector construction projects, has given a window of six months for companies servicing projects to achieve certification.
John Logan, Director of Sustainability at SCAPE Group said: “This is a game changer, and something I’m immensely proud to be part of. We are determined to drive best practice into the heart of both the resource management and construction sectors, meaning that operators will no longer be able to undermine the market in terms of capability or reputation through the weapon of price alone.”
Certification to PAS 402:2025 is a demonstration of both best practice and commitment and, according to John, can also assist in improving business performance.
He added: “The Environment Agency has indicated that PAS 402:2025 will be an approved third party certification route to comply with the new Resource Framework to meet end-of-waste criteria for recycled aggregates, which is scheduled to be published in spring 2026. We now have a significant opportunity to ensure that producers of quality recycled aggregates have a platform from which to compete directly with producers of quarried materials.”
“This forward-thinking step aligns with SCAPE’s commitment to resource efficiency and a circular economy, supporting industry-wide improvement in waste reporting and reduction. We have set new standards for sustainable resource management procurement in the UK built environment.”
Andy Hill, CEO of WATA UK said: “This is really good news for our sector and will establish a much more even playing field for businesses tendering washed recycled aggregates as a resource in the construction sector. I hope to see others follow suit where SCAPE has led.”
NTM-GB | NTM-GB and picker pals partner up to inspire the next generation of recyclers
A fresh wave of environmental education is sweeping through primary schools thanks to a bold new partnership between NTM-GB, one of the UK’s leading refuse collection vehicle manufacturers, and Picker Pals, the award-winning children’s environmental stewardship programme.
After exhibiting side-by-side at the ESS/RWM Expo in September – where NTM-GB’s impressive recycling lorry and the vibrant, illustration-rich Picker Pals stand captivated visitors – the two organisations have officially joined forces to bring high-impact, hands-on sustainability education to young people across the country.
This collaboration represents a significant evolution in the way industry and education can work together to shape the future of waste management. By combining NTM-GB’s technical expertise and real-world recycling infrastructure with Picker Pals’ imaginative, child-centred environmental curriculum, the partnership aims not only to inspire but to empower primary-aged children to take direct action in improving their communities.
NTM-GB, renowned for its innovative refuse collection vehicles engineered for modern waste and recycling needs, has long been committed to advancing environmentally responsible waste solutions. With a focus on safety, efficiency and sustainability, the company plays a critical role in supporting local authorities and private operators as they adapt to ever-evolving recycling requirements.
Picker Pals, founded by writer and environmental advocate Patrick Jackson, brings a unique, story-driven approach to environmental education. The programme equips primary school classrooms with “Picker Packs” full of engaging storybooks, activities and litter-picking tools, encouraging children to become active participants in keeping their neighbourhoods clean.
Centred around a cast of illustrated characters who embark on recycling and litter-picking adventures, Picker Pals helps children develop positive lifelong habits around the environment, community responsibility and circular thinking.
The first formal activation of this newly forged partnership took place on 12 November at Cleobury Mortimer Primary School in Shropshire, located just a short distance from NTM-GB’s headquarters in Kidderminster.
The pilot event brought together the expertise, creativity and energy of both organisations in a hands-on educational experience delivered directly to the students. Patrick from Picker Pals led the morning’s activities, immersing the children in a dynamic mix of storytelling, environmental awareness and practical demonstrations.
Another major highlight of the morning was the arrival of an NTM-GB K-Midi refuse collection vehicle, which rolled into the school playground to the delight of the children. Far more than a static display, the vehicle was incorporated into a live demonstration that allowed pupils to see exactly how a real recycling truck operates – from bin lifting and compaction mechanisms to how materials are safely collected, sorted and transported. This rare chance to get up close to the machinery used in everyday recycling operations transformed abstract concepts into an exciting real-world experience.
Teachers remarked on the enthusiasm sparked by the classroom session and truck demonstration, noting how quickly students connected the messages about recycling to the equipment and processes that keep their community clean. For many pupils, it was the first time they had seen such a vehicle in action, offering a memorable and impactful complement to their learning.
The event officially designated Cleobury Mortimer Primary School’s Year 4 class as the first ‘Picker Pals’ group created under the NTM-GB X Pickers Pals partnership. As part of their initiation, the class received a full Picker Pack, complete with activity books, litter-picking equipment and the beloved Picker Pals stories.
Over the coming months, each child will have the chance to take home the Picker Pack, complete neighbourhood litter-picking missions with their families and contribute to a collective journey logged and celebrated in class.
The programme’s structure is designed to cultivate a strong sense of ownership among children, helping them understand that even small actions -taking a walk while collecting litter, sorting recycling correctly or encouraging family members to reduce waste – can make a meaningful difference. Combined with the real-world inspiration provided by NTM-GB’s involvement, the partnership offers a powerful dual approach: education supported by industry practice.
Representatives from both organisations expressed their excitement about the collaboration and the potential it holds for nationwide impact. The partnership highlights a growing recognition that environmental responsibility is most effective when instilled early and reinforced by visible, tangible infrastructure.
By leveraging the strengths of each organisation, the initiative aims to foster a generation of citizens who are not only knowledgeable about recycling and waste management but who feel personally connected to the systems and services that underpin their communities.
For NTM-GB, the partnership also reflects a broader commitment to engaging with young people and demystifying the world of recycling technology. Showcasing their vehicles in educational settings allows children to see behind the scenes of waste management and gain a deeper appreciation for the engineering and teamwork required to keep streets clean and recycling systems functioning.
For Picker Pals, teaming up with a major industry player provides new opportunities for reach, visibility and community integration. It demonstrates the power of combining imaginative storytelling with the real-life tools and infrastructure that shape environmental outcomes.
Both partners intend for the Cleobury Mortimer Primary School event to be the first of many. Plans are already being laid for additional school visits, interactive demonstrations and expanded educational content that merges Picker Pals’ narrative-driven model with NTM-GB’s practical expertise.
As conversations around sustainability, circularity and environmental responsibility continue to gain momentum, this collaboration offers a compelling blueprint for how industry leaders and educational innovators can work together to create long-lasting change. The enthusiasm witnessed at Cleobury Mortimer Primary School signals a promising start – one that may well inspire other organisations across the waste sector to explore similar partnerships.
Ultimately, the NTM-GB and Picker Pals collaboration seeks to do more than teach children about recycling. It aims to ignite curiosity, instil confidence and empower the next generation to play an active role in shaping a cleaner, greener future. Through creative education, hands-on experience and industry leadership, the partnership hopes to build a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom.