Kirklees Together

We celebrated the sustainable superstars of the borough with our Recycling Hero Awards, which took place yesterday evening.

The Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Cahal Burke, announced the winners, runners-up, and highly commended at the second annual Kirklees Recycling Heroes Awards. Congratulations were given to all those shortlisted. Before the mayor presented the winners with their trophies at a ceremony held at Dewsbury Town Hall yesterday, 22 November.

How were the winners chosen?

We received over 70 separate nominations for the five awards. All of which were made secretly by members of the public. Winners had to be going well beyond what would be expected of them as an individual, business, or school when it comes to recycling. Critically, the judges were looking for nominees who were inspiring others to follow their lead in taking steps to tackle climate change and reduce waste. 

The results

Winner of the Business Recycling Hero Award: Smiles in Tandem

Smiles in Tandem were nominated for going above and beyond with reducing, reusing, and recycling. They encourage their staff and patients to be more sustainable. Through the promotion of active travel, the use of digital communications, and using as few disposable items as possible by buying reusable options and sterilising them.

Yorkshire Children’s Centre was named runner-up.

Winner of the Recycling Hero Award: Tracy Swales, from Mirfield

Tracy received an overwhelming number of nominations for her work in promoting reducing, reusing, and recycling within the Mirfield community. She set up a group on Facebook where over 2,000 Mirfield residents lend, borrow and donate items to stop them from going to landfill. She also runs an eco-shop called The Treasure Centre in Roberttown. It is clear from the numerous nominations that Tracy is considered by many to be a role model and an inspiration when it comes to recycling!

Kate Popplewell was named runner-up, with Liam Clark highly commended.

Winner of the School Recycling Hero Award: Norristhorpe J & I School

Norristhorpe J & I School have worked hard over the last year to set up an Eco-team with pupils ranging from Y1 to Y6, assisted by three staff members. They have taken part in various recycling schemes and have recycling stations in each classroom. Not just focused on recycling, they have also created a bug hotel and made birdhouses to enhance the school grounds. Furthermore, they have recently applied for the Eco Green Flag award, which they have just received.

Denby First C of E (VA) First School was named runner-up, with Thornhill J&I School highly commended.

Winner of the Young Recycling Hero Award: Ida Mills (first school age)

A keen member of her school’s Eco-Team Ida has supported her school with their eco work and even worked with other local schools to share ideas. More recently, as part of her school’s Green Flag Award, Ida took part in a recycling workshop and played a recycling game with staff from Kirklees Recycling alongside her classmates. With her school’s Eco-team, Ida will soon be launching the ‘Cut your Carbon’ project in her school community.

Emily Dixon (10) was named runner-up, with Sienna McLeod (12) highly commended.

And new for this year:

Winner of the Recycling Champion Hero Award: Martin Price, from Mirfield

Not only an active Recycling Champion, Martin is also involved with the Eco-Club at his local church. Where he helps them to reduce, reuse, and recycle. He is an inspiration to his fellow champions and the recycling officers and has provided a recycling crafting session at one of the Recycling Champion meetings.

Simon Pike was named runner-up, with Wendy Farrar highly commended.

Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Cahal Burke, said:

“These awards highlight the fantastic work that so many are doing across Kirklees and allow us to congratulate them. 

“Raising awareness and, more importantly, putting into action projects to help reduce waste and tackle climate change is vital, and it is great to see so many inspiring businesses and individuals taking up the challenge to help our environment.”

Councillor Yusra Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, said:

“Recycling, reuse, repair, and reducing waste are all hugely important to help lessen the impact on our increasingly fragile environment.

“We have a vision for Kirklees to have zero avoidable waste by 2038 and are making excellent progress in this area. Kirklees is now a CDP climate leader, as evidenced by our recent CDP scoring of  ‘A’, the highest possible score.

“However, we recognise that in this journey, we require the action, support and involvement of our residents, schools, and businesses. To see so many inspiring residents shortlisted for a Recycling Hero Award demonstrates that we are on the right path.

“On behalf of Kirklees Council, I want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of those nominated for their contribution towards our goal of making Kirklees a cleaner and greener place to live, study and work.”