Bristol Waste has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability in a regional awards ceremony commending businesses in the south west. The waste collection and recycling company has been nominated for most Sustainable Business of the Year category at the regional Business Leader awards.
Other nominees who made the shortlist in the same category are Real Wrap Co, Dorwest Herbs, Spherics, Procook, Behaviour Change Cornwall and Solarsense. The nominations come off the back of a six-week-long judging process, which saw all of the entrants scored by a panel of judges.
The waste team collects 160,000 tonnes of waste and recycling per year – of 75,000 tonnes for composting or recycling. Earlier this year the council reported a slip in recycling rates from 45 to 42 per cent in part due to the pandemic and restricted access to tips. Bristol Waste has since opened a new recycling centre in Hartcliffe, which operates on a booking system.
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The company has also spearheaded campaigns such as #SlimMyWaste, #LitterHurts and #BigTidy to inspire change, help keep Bristol clean and to push forward the city’s sustainable goals. Last month it hosted its biggest tidy to date as more than 100 young people aged between 16 and 17 descended on Lawrence Hill for litter picking.
Speaking on the nomination, a spokesperson for Bristol Waste said: “We’re committed to ensuring Bristol is a sustainable city that has a bountiful, resource rich future. At Bristol Waste we are passionate about reducing our impact on the environment, and helping residents to do the same; from opening three reuse shops across the city that save pre-loved items from going to waste, to bringing the sparkle back to Bristol through projects like the Big Tidy, or introducing innovations such as on street cup recycling bins or new recycling bags for cardboard.
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“We’re incredibly proud to see this work recognised in this shortlist. We’re up against some tough competition, which can only be a great thing, as we are all winners when the environment wins. We’ll keep our fingers crossed on the night and hope to see Bristol bring the award home and lead the way in waste reduction.”
Other award categories include Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Family Business of the year. This year's ceremony marks the tenth year of the awards and will be hosted by comedian Patrick Kielty at Bristol's Ashton Gate Stadium.
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