South Kesteven’s bin crews claim major national performance award

South Kesteven District Council has been named the Most Improved Performer for waste collection services at the national APSE Performance Networks Awards.

The prestigious awards are a high-profile event where both the best performing authorities and the most improved are recognised for their achievements.

During the past year South Kesteven’s waste and recycling services have undergone a major transformation, including the introduction of separate paper and card collections, a kerbside battery recycling service and bringing modern, new vehicles on stream.

SKDC Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, Cllr Rhys Baker, said: “This recognition is the result of months of dedicated hard work by our waste department. Everyone from the crews, out in the open in all weathers, to the unsung heroes in the office have worked together to officially make SKDC the most improved waste service in the country.

“This sort of improvement doesn’t simply ‘happen’ and I am so proud of the team. I couldn’t ask for a better Christmas present than this national recognition for our crews and staff.

“I also want to thank our residents. Without their patience and work on recycling in particular, this would not have been possible. Thank you to the public, business, schools and everyone in SKDC for helping to make our district the most improved waste service in the country.

“I am proud to belong to a community that wants to look after the environment, dispose of waste responsibly, and support our hard-working crews.

“This is just the beginning: we will keep listening to feedback from our customers. We will continue to work with local representatives for local solutions.

“We already have plans for new investment in our equipment and vehicles. Our new depot opens in late 2025 and will provide space, facilities, and technology to support our growing district. Working with our community, I am excited to see what 2025 will bring.”

The APSE event gave dedicated awards for most service areas covered by local authorities, and finalists were selected from those who shared their performance activities.

Topics at the associated conference included a low-down on front line service provision, debate on the public response to public service spending and the economy, and recycling methods and regulations.