Bromsgrove District Council’s Business Waste Team paid a visit to a very special student last week whilst on their rounds.

Billy, aged 19 years, attends Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College in Bromsgrove, and as part of the work-related learning lessons, Billy expressed an interest in one day becoming a “bin man”.

As Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College is a Business Waste Customer, when the service found out about Billy’s aspirations, they arranged for a crew to visit the school to give Billy the opportunity to try out being a waste collection operative.

During the visit on February 2^nd, Billy got his own hi-vis and gloves, was able to operate the loader, sit in the cab and even went for a short drive in the waste truck. As a thank you for all his hard work delivering waste services for his school, the crew also presented him with his own certificate of achievement.

Environmental Services Portfolio Holder, Cllr Margaret Sherrey, said: “Chadsgrove is a fantastic place with very caring and dedicated staff. Thank you to Martin, Ian, Josh, Simon and Lisa, for arranging to visit. The experience clearly meant an awful lot to Billy and shows that although our team provide a commercial service, their roots remain with the communities they serve. The footage of the visit is simply heart-warming, and you undoubtedly gave Billy the best day ever.”

Cllr Shirley Webb, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing and Governor of Chadsgrove, said: “The college and school do a fabulous job with internships for students in the local area and I’m so pleased we could help Billy with his dream of becoming a waste operative. He had the most wonderful time and will no doubt remember the experience forever.”

Emma Nolan, Preparing for Adulthood, Transition, and Life Beyond Education Coordinator, Chadsgrove Special School, said: "The college and the school work hard to provide unique experiences for our learners, helping them to raise aspirations and prepare and equip them with the tools and skills for life beyond education. Thank you to Bromsgrove District Council’s Business Waste Team for giving Billy the opportunity to discover and explore the career of a waste management operative.”

BDC Business Waste Service provide flexible general waste and recycling options for businesses across Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands. To find out more about the services they offer, go to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/businesswaste.