Wastecycle raise hundreds for Papworth Trust During its Health & Safety Day

Staff at an East Midlands’ recycling company raised over £150 for charity in a sponsored cycle ride without moving a mile!

Ten employees from Wastecycle’s Leicester and Nottingham sites undertook a static cycle challenge for the Papworth Trust during the company’s annual Health, Safety and Environment Day, held yesterday (Wednesday 21st June).

The cyclists achieved their target of one hundred miles in just seven hours, despite temperatures reaching 30 degrees. All of the sponsorship money, which will rise over the next week as outstanding pledges come in, is being donated to the Leicester-based charity that provides a range of high quality services for disabled and disadvantaged people.

“It was very hard work,” says Josh Chorlton, Sales Administrator at Wastecycle. “It was very odd. I’m a keen cycler but not moving as you pedalled made it a real challenge to keep going. When you can see the scenery changing cycling is really pleasant but this was very tough, especially in the heat. I’m delighted that we achieved our goal in such a good time and know that the money raised is going to a very good cause.”

The cycle challenge was one of a number of events staged on the day, many of which had a serious health and safety message for visiting businesses to take away with them.

In particular, Wastecycle organised for several health and safety experts to deliver presentations covering legislation, best practice and accident reduction. There was also guidance on waste management best practice and demonstrations of Wastecycle’s state of the art fleet of waste collection vehicles, which boast advance safety features to help drivers when collecting and disposing of commercial waste. The 320 visitors also had the opportunity to try out a 360 digger and braver visitors even tackled a 25ft climbing wall.

This year’s event was designed to bring Wastecycle’s customers up to speed on best practice, though companies not currently working with the resource management company also attended.

“This was our third Health & Safety Day,” says Paul Needham, Wastecycle’s Managing Director. “According to the Health & Safety Executive in the waste industry, there are around 1,000 cases of work-related injuries every year. We pride ourselves on our safety record and aim to make every day a safe, which is the company’s motto. By opening our doors to our customers and other businesses, delivering talks on health and safety and demonstrating the latest safety equipment, we did a little bit to raise awareness of how people can stay safe both at work and home.”

Wastecycle, which strives to maintain a very strong health and safety record, recently invested over £1 million in new vehicles featuring a range of safety features and this year received its eighth consecutive gold medal from RoSPA as part of their annual awards.