Blackpool Street Cleansing Team Wins Prestigious APSE Award & Up for A Keep Britain Tidy Award

We are delighted to announce that our Street Cleansing team has been recognised as the Best Improved Performer at the 2025 APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards, held on 4 December at the Village Hotel.

The accolade celebrates outstanding progress in service delivery and performance improvement among local authority cleaning services across the UK. The team were joined at the awards ceremony by Cllr Adrian Hoyle, Chair, who shared in celebrating this significant achievement.

APSE is a leading UK body that benchmarks and recognises excellence in frontline public services, using robust performance data to highlight the best and most improved authorities nationally. The Best Improved Performer award reflects measurable gains in service quality, operational efficiency and community impact over the past year.

In addition to this win, the Street Cleansing service is shortlisted for the Keep Britain Tidy Outstanding Service Award. This award celebrates teams that have improved service quality and enhanced the local environment despite ongoing pressures and challenges. Network Awards from Keep Britain Tidy highlight excellence in environmental improvement and frontline service delivery across eight categories, including Outstanding Service.
The team’s commitment to tackling environmental crime has also delivered positive outcomes in enforcement. In a recent case at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, an individual pleaded guilty to illegal dumping of household rubbish.

The court imposed the following:

• £120 fine
• £100 court costs
• £48 victim surcharge

Illegal dumping remains a major issue nationally – local authorities in England dealt with 1.15 million fly-tipping incidents in 2023/24, with household waste accounting for around 60% of cases. Fly-tipping costs the economy over £1 billion annually and remains a top priority for environmental services teams nationwide.

Enveco’s Chair, Cllr Adrian Hoyle, Said:

“To win this APSE award is a proud moment for our Street Cleansing team. It reflects their dedication, hard work and innovation in keeping Blackpool clean and welcoming. Being shortlisted for the Keep Britain Tidy Outstanding Service Award further underlines their commitment to excellence. Together with our enforcement successes, we are making a real difference to our streets and communities.”

Enveco NW Urges Residents to Stay Vigilant Following Two Incidents of Fly-Tipped Asbestos in Blackpool

Enveco NW is urging residents across Blackpool to remain alert after two recent reports of illegally dumped asbestos. One on Ashburton Road and another on Boundary Park.

Asbestos is very dangerous, especially when it’s damaged or broken. When this happens, tiny fibres can be released into the air, and breathing these in can harm your health.

Asbestos was once commonly used in buildings because it was strong and heat-resistant, but it is now banned in the UK. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warns that asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. These health problems often take decades to develop, which is why it’s so important that asbestos is handled and disposed of safely.

Incident Summaries

Ashburton Road
Enveco NW received a report of suspected asbestos fly-tipping in an alleyway on Ashburton Road. The material was found intact and had not been broken down. Because of this it is classed as un-licensed which enables Enveco’s trained operatives to safely remove the asbestos immediately, following all appropriate handling and training procedures.

Boundary Park
The second report involved asbestos that had been broken up and contaminated with other waste. This significantly increases the risk of airborne fibres. Under Enveco NW’s strict safety protocol and Government legislation, crews are not able to remove broken asbestos mixed within waste, as this now requires a licensed contractor.

On attending the site, the team assessed the material, made the area safe by carefully covering the waste and placing protective barriers, and immediately contacted Enveco’s licensed asbestos contractor, who is fully trained and authorised to handle high-risk asbestos. They removed the material on 01.12.2025 and carried out a thorough site check to ensure no fragments remained.

A spokesperson for Enveco NW said:

“Asbestos is extremely dangerous, particularly when it is broken up or disturbed. We take reports of asbestos very seriously and respond immediately to ensure community safety. Fly-tipping asbestos not only puts people’s health at risk—it is also a criminal offence. We encourage residents to dispose of asbestos safely and correctly through our Household Waste Recycling Centre.”

How Residents Can Safely Dispose of Asbestos from Home

Asbestos must be removed and disposed of in a controlled and safe manner. Householders are encouraged to dispose of all types of asbestos through a licensed contractor.

However, small quantities of cement bonded asbestos arising as a result of your own household maintenance and repairs can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Bristol Avenue by following these steps:

• Contact the HWRC for advice on how much asbestos they will accept and how you should wrap it. You will need to visit before you dispose of your asbestos as they will provide you with bags for wrapping it correctly along with a information sheet
• Go and buy protective overalls, mask, gloves and goggles
• Plan the work so that the asbestos is handled as little as possible
• Damp down the material before disturbing it
• Do not break up cement sheeting. If they must be cut use a handsaw not power tools
• Place your asbestos into the RED sack and seal the bag with tape – then place the sealed red sack into the WHITE sack and securely seal
• Repeat the process for the second sack
• If dust is produced ensure it is wet, then sweep it up- do not use a vacuum as dust may then be spread around your house
• Once all dust is swept up and all asbestos is in the sacks – take off your overalls, mask and gloves and place them into your final sack and then securely seal with tape
• Take the wrapped asbestos to the HWRC and speak with a member of staff in the office at the entrance- your asbestos will need to be checked and you will need sign an asbestos log sheet
• Asbestos can only be accepted at the site between these hours: 10.00am to 3.45pm 7 days a week

No asbestos from commercial activities will be accepted under any circumstances as this must be disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste site.

Report It, Protect Your Community

Enveco NW encourages residents to immediately report any suspected asbestos that has been fly-tipped via: https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Residents/Waste-and-recycling/Report-a-fly-tip.aspx

By reporting quickly, residents help protect their community and ensure any hazardous materials are dealt with swiftly and safely.

Enveco, Police and Council Join Forces for Successful October Operation in Blackpool

On a very wet day in October, Enveco NW joined Blackpool Council’s Environmental Protection Service and Lancashire Police for a successful multi-agency checkpoint on Yeadon Way, tackling illegal waste activity and unroadworthy vehicles entering the town.

The operation focused on vehicles with no tax, no MOT, no insurance, and those linked with wider criminal concerns. Enveco’s Waste Carrier Officers carried out targeted checks on waste carrier licences and duty of care, ensuring anyone transporting and disposing of waste was doing so legally and responsibly. This work directly supports Enveco’s street cleansing service by helping prevent fly-tipping before it happens.

Despite the weather, the checkpoint delivered strong results, with each service carrying out its own specialist checks, offering advice, and identifying vehicles and issues requiring further follow-up. The coordinated partnership approach kept the operation slick, efficient and highly effective for everyone involved.

A spokesperson for Enveco NW said:
“This operation shows the real strength of a multi-service approach. By working alongside Environmental Protection and Lancashire Police, we can tackle a range of issues in one coordinated effort.”

More joint checkpoints are planned as part of ongoing efforts to prevent waste crime and protect Blackpool’s communities.

Hear directly from Enveco, Environmental Protection and Lancashire Police in our video interview, where each team shares their experience of the joint operation.

https://youtu.be/oMcJLTwrHkk

Working Together to Improve Bispham’s Green Spaces

In September and October, Enveco’s Grounds Maintenance team has been proud to work in partnership with The New Langdale Green Team on a simple but hugely effective improvement project in Bispham.

Each week, members of the grounds maintenance team delivered fresh woodchips to the site, ready for the Green Team volunteers to spread across the borders around the Centre and the nearby park. With ten volunteers taking part, the team completed eight full drops of woodchip, transforming the whole area.

The project ran smoothly thanks to regular communication between Enveco and Adult Services, and the Green Team approached every week with enthusiasm and pride.

Community Feedback

Residents noticed the difference straight away. Here’s what some shared with us:

• “What a difference these guys have made.”

• “It even smells better.”

• “Great to see departments working together.”

• “It looks tidier, cleaner and loved.”

Looking Ahead

This has been a brilliant example of partnership working and community involvement, with visible benefits for everyone using the space. We’d welcome future opportunities to work with The New Langdale team again and look forward to exploring similar projects elsewhere in Blackpool.

Blackpool Celebrates Silver Gilt Success at North West in Bloom 2025

Enveco NW was proud to join this year’s North West in Bloom awards ceremony, held in November at the Bolton Stadium. The event brought together Enveco team members, Blackpool Council staff and Enveco’s Chair, Cllr Adrian Hoyle, to celebrate the incredible work taking place across our town.

For the third year running, Blackpool has achieved a Silver Gilt Award in the Small-City Category, an outstanding accomplishment that reflects the dedication, partnership and community pride.

This achievement recognises the ongoing commitment of residents, community groups, volunteers and Enveco teams who work year-round to keep Blackpool’s green spaces thriving.

What is North West in Bloom?

North West in Bloom is the regional arm overseeing the national Britain in Bloom competition for Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. It supports the development of green environments, community participation and sustainability, working with local groups to deliver tangible improvements. For more information, visit: www.northwestinbloom.com

Blackpool’s Entries and Achievements

• Anchorsholme Library/Café Garden – Level 4, Thriving
• Belle View Strawberry Gardens – Greenspace – Level 5, Outstanding
• Belle View Strawberry Gardens – Newcastle Avenue – Level 4, Thriving
• Belle View Strawberry Gardens Community Group – Level 5, Outstanding
• Blackpool Victoria Hospital – Gold
• Cherry Tree & St George’s Environmental & Educational Garden – Level 5, Outstanding
• Cherry Tree Gardens – Level 4, Thriving
• Claremont Park Community Centre Gardening Group – Level 4, Thriving
• Devonshire Road Rock Garden – Level 5, Outstanding
• Enveco NW & Blackpool Council – Silver Gilt
• Friends of Anchorsholme Park – Level 5, Outstanding
• Friends of East Pines Park – Level 5, Outstanding
• Friends of Jubilee Gardens (Gynn Square) – Level 5, Outstanding
• Friends of Solaris Park – Level 4, Thriving
• Fylde Memorial Arboretum & Community Woodland – Level 5, Outstanding
• Grow Blackpool @ The Grange – Level 5, Outstanding

These results highlight the strength of Blackpool’s community spirit and the positive environmental action happening across the town. Enveco NW is proud to support and work alongside so many passionate groups who make a real difference every day.

A huge congratulations to all entrants, your hard work continues to help Blackpool bloom.

Waste changes are coming to Blackpool…

New bins, hubs, food caddies and collection updates for Simpler Recycling

From April 2026, all councils in England are to introduce weekly food waste collections as part of the UK Government’s Simpler Recycling initiative, designed to make recycling more consistent and effective across the country.

In preparation, Blackpool Council, in partnership with Enveco NW Environmental Services, is implementing a comprehensive upgrade to local waste and recycling services including the introduction of food waste caddies, larger blue bins and new brown bins.

Blackpool’s waste collection service, managed and delivered by the council’s wholly-owned company Enveco NW, which empty bins at over 72,000 households across the town.

The changes, outlined in detail below, will deliver a simpler, fairer and more sustainable system, supporting the town’s ambition to create a cleaner and greener environment for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Bin hubs

As part of the improvements, new Bin Hubs will be installed across the town to provide accessible recycling facilities and help keep streets cleaner.

Each hub includes bins for general waste, paper and cardboard, mixed recyclables (plastic, tins, cans, and glass) and food waste.

Initial trial installations took place in community areas, along the seafront and in the town centre.

These hubs are for public use only and not intended for business waste.

New bins for paper and card

The current brown sack for paper and card will be automatically replaced with a new brown bin. This creates more space for recycling and tidier collections.

Delivery begins w/c 3 November 2025 and will continue into 2026.

Bigger blue bins

Those who currently have a small blue bin for glass, cans and plastics will automatically get a larger blue bin.

Old blue bins will be collected and replaced. Delivery begins w/c 3 November 2025 and will continue over a period of approx. 6-9 months.

Residents do not need to take any action. New bins will be delivered automatically.

Once delivered they should be used immediately and presented on the usual collection day.

Food caddies

In preparation for the national food waste collection implementation, starting February 2026, households will also receive new food waste caddies:

• One small indoor caddy (7 litres), and
• One larger outdoor caddy (23 litres) – along with compostable liners

New waste collection schedules – from April 2026

Weekly food waste collections will begin from 1 April 2026, helping turn leftovers into renewable energy.

With the addition of weekly food waste collections, the overall waste schedule will move to a three-weekly collection cycle from April 2026.

Example collection schedule:

The new pattern will look like this, although variations may apply:

• Food waste: collected every week
• Garden waste: collected every 2 weeks (subscription only)

Then, the following bins are collected on a 3-week cycle – one each week:

• Week 1: General waste – grey bin
• Week 2: Paper and cardboard – brown bin
• Week 3: Recycling (glass, cans, plastics) – blue bin

The cycle then repeats.

Please note: this is only a sample schedule. No collection for food waste will come into place until 1 April 2026. Non-recyclable household waste should be placed in the grey bin as normal until then.

Green / garden waste scheme

The garden waste subscription service will continue to operate fortnightly, with the annual fee reduced from £45.00 to £30.00 for the period from April 2026 to March 2027.

Councillor Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader of the Council (Place) and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said:

“Simpler Recycling is a great step forward – nationally and here in Blackpool.

“With everyone’s support, we can make recycling easier and build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable town – together.”

For more information, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/WasteChanges

Stanley Park Heroes: Enveco Grounds Staff Praised for Life-Saving Actions

Two of Enveco’s Grounds Maintenance staff members from Stanley Park, Craig O’Neil and Shane Guy, have been hailed as heroes after their quick thinking and fast response helped save a man’s life during a medical emergency on the park’s bowling green.

The incident, which occurred in July, involved a man who collapsed on one of the greens in what was later identified as a seizure.

Initially thinking the man may have been under the influence, the pair quickly realised the situation was far more serious. The man was unresponsive and appeared not to be breathing. After calling 999, Craig O’Neill was instructed to begin CPR.

“Thanks to Craig’s quick CPR, the man started breathing again — a move paramedics said likely saved his life.

Incredibly, this was not Craig’s first life-saving effort. Just four weeks earlier, while playing pool at a local club, he was called into action. Under the guidance of 999 dispatchers, he performed CPR on another man who had collapsed and successfully revived the individual.

Enveco’s Managing Director, John Hawkin, said:

“We’re immensely proud of both Craig and Shane. They went above and beyond their duties as park maintenance staff, showing courage, calm under pressure, and genuine care for the public.”

Stanley Park is known for its beauty and peaceful atmosphere, thanks in no small part to the hard work of its maintenance team. But this recent act of heroism shows that the commitment of its staff goes far beyond grounds keeping.

Enveco’s Grounds Maintenance, Stanley Park Supervisor, James Hutchinson, said:

“Craig’s actions saved a life, not once but twice in a month; that kind of response takes guts and compassion, and we’re lucky to have him and Shane as part of the Enveco team.”

World Cleanup Day – 20 September 2025

Every year on 20 September, people across the globe unite for World Cleanup Day, a day dedicated to tackling the global waste crisis through community action and awareness.

In 2024, this initiative became an official United Nations International Day, signaling its growing impact.

How You Can Help in Blackpool

Get involved today with the Keep Blackpool Tidy campaign

The Keep Blackpool Tidy (KBT) initiative is your perfect local partner for action. You can:

• Take the KBT pledge at bronze, silver, or gold level
• Become a KBT volunteer and request a litter-picking kit and join organised clean-ups

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 

Cut down on waste by buying less and choosing second-hand items instead – you might even discover some hidden treasures in our Re-Use Shop! Check out our Second Hand September blog for more tips and information.

Be sure to recycle all eligible items using the correct bins. If you’re unsure what goes where, visit our ‘What Goes Where’ guide.

Spread the Word

Boost the impact by encouraging others, friends, neighbours, and schools to take part:

• Share your participation on social media
• Use hashtags like #WorldCleanupDay and #KeepBlackpoolTidy
• Inspire others with your story and actions

Together, Let’s Sort It