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

Help Keep Blackpool’s Shores Sparkling: Join the Great British Beach Clean!

From Friday 19th to Sunday 28th September 2025, the Great British Beach Clean returns, uniting thousands across the UK in a mission to clean our coastlines.

Why Your Help Matters

Blackpool’s coastline is subject to high levels of marine debris, washed ashore or left behind by visitors. Picking up even a little waste helps wildlife, protects water quality, and keeps the promenade beautiful. While we have a dedicated Street Cleansing Service which operates 365 days a year, from 6am to 6pm, emptying over 1,000 public litter-bins, removing around 5,000 fly tips, and cleaning 6 miles of beach and the seafront. Your involvement helps create civic pride along with helping the team at the same time.

How You Can Get Involved

Join a beach clean

  • SEA LIFE Blackpool Beach Cleans
    Regular beach cleans take place throughout the year. The next one is on Sunday, 28th September at 10 AM. Meet opposite the SEA LIFE centre (by the RNLI); all kit is provided.

Become a KBT Volunteer

While signing up, you can select from one of the following options:

  • I would like to request a litter-picking kit
  • I am a Blackpool Resident who would like to arrange a litter pick in my community
  • I am from a business/company and would like to organise a litter-picking event in Blackpool
  • I am from a Blackpool school and would like to look at the options available for environmental awareness

Share it around

  • Encourage friends, family, schools, and local groups to get involved
  • SNAP your clean-up efforts and tag #GreatBritishBeachClean or #KeepBlackpoolTidy to inspire others

Together, let’s Keep Blackpool Tidy!

 

Second Hand September in Blackpool

We’re calling on Blackpool residents to choose pre-owned items instead of brand-new ones this Second Hand September, which will save them money and benefit the environment!

Launched by Oxfam, Second Hand September is all about reducing waste and rethinking how we shop. By choosing second-hand items instead of buying new, we can all help cut down on unnecessary waste and lower our carbon footprint.

Getting involved is easy:

  • Donate your unwanted items in good condition
  • Shop second-hand before buying new
  • Repair or repurpose instead of throwing things away

Blackpool’s Second-Hand Hotspots

Blackpool is full of opportunities to shop second-hand:

But one of Blackpool’s hidden gems for second-hand treasure is right at the heart of our recycling efforts…

The Re-use Shop at the HWRC

Located at the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) on Bristol Avenue, the Re-use Shop is a fantastic place to give items a second life, and find a bargain in the process!

The Reuse Shop sells a wide variety of quality, pre-loved items including:

  • Furniture and homeware
  • Toys and bikes
  • Electrical goods
  • Garden tools and décor

All items have been saved from landfill, cleaned, and prepared for resale, so you’re not just shopping sustainably, you’re also supporting the local community.

If you’re dropping off waste at the HWRC, check first; your unwanted items might be perfect for the Reuse Shop.

Let’s work together to cut waste, save money, and protect our planet, one second-hand item at a time.

Visit the Reuse Shop at the HWRC and do your part this Second Hand September today!

Enveco’s Commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and Ex-Armed Forces Staff

We’re proud to demonstrate our ongoing support for the Armed Forces community through meaningful action, recognition, and inclusion.

We have recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a public pledge that underlines our commitment to supporting those who have served in the Armed Forces. As a result, we are now officially listed on the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) register and have proudly achieved Bronze ERS membership.

To celebrate this commitment, on 14th August, Enveco hosted a special presentation for our staff who have previously served in the Armed Forces. The event was led by our Chair, Councillor Adrian Hoyle, who also serves as Armed Forces Champion for the Blackpool Council.

The gathering provided a relaxed opportunity for our ex-forces staff to come together, share their stories, and reflect on their service. Councillor Hoyle also presented each team member with a custom Enveco lanyard, designed especially to recognise and honour their time in the Armed Forces.

This event is not a one-off. Going forward, we will be hosting quarterly gatherings to bring together Ex-Forces staff, fostering a strong internal community where veterans can feel connected and supported.

Additionally, we’ve embedded our Covenant and ERS pledges into our day-to-day operations. These include:

  • Covenant and ERS logos proudly displayed on our company website and in all staff email signatures
  • A welcoming and inclusive culture that recognises the valuable skills and experiences veterans bring to our team

We’re committed to ensuring that the values of the Armed Forces Covenant are lived out in our organisation, not just in words, but in actions. Whether it’s through dedicated events, visible recognition, or fostering peer support, Enveco NW is proud to stand with our Armed Forces community.

We extend our sincere thanks to all those who have served, and we look forward to continuing this important journey together.

Enveco NW Hosts Their First-Ever Thank You Event to Celebrate Blackpool’s Volunteers

On Wednesday, 26 February 2025, Enveco NW hosted their first “Thank You” event at the Blackpool Football Club, celebrating the selfless volunteers who dedicate their time to ‘Keeping Blackpool Tidy’. Over 140 attendees gathered for an afternoon of recognition and appreciation.

Enveco’s 250 dedicated employees work across a range of services. These include Parks and Grounds Maintenance, Street Cleansing, Domestic and Commercial Waste Collection, Blackpool Council and Enveco’s Fleet Maintenance, Pest Control, Building Cleaning, and the management of the Household Waste Recycling Centre (tip). The volunteers who were celebrated at the event play a vital role in ‘Keeping Blackpool Tidy’.

The afternoon began with a presentation showcasing images of volunteers in action—picking up litter, maintaining public spaces, and supporting local initiatives. Diane Farley, Enveco’s Neighborhood Officer, took the stage to express her gratitude to the volunteers for their continuous efforts. She was joined by the Chair of Enveco’s Board, Councillor Adrian Hoyle, who also offered heartfelt thanks, underscoring the vital role that volunteers play.

A memorable highlight was the first appearance of Enveco’s Keep Blackpool Tidy Mascot. The mascot, which promotes responsible waste disposal, was well-received by the crowd, adding a fun and engaging touch to the afternoon. The mascot’s debut was a perfect symbol of Enveco’s efforts to combine education, community involvement, and environmental stewardship.

As part of the celebration, attendees were treated to a tour of the Blackpool Football Club grounds. This special tour was a bonus for everyone, allowing them to connect further with the town’s local culture and landmarks.

This event was a reminder of the power of community engagement. The volunteers’ hard work is essential to adding sparkle to the town.

Enveco’s Managing Director, John Hawkin, said: “We are deeply grateful to all our volunteers for their commitment to ‘Keeping Blackpool Tidy’. This event was a way of showing our appreciation and celebrating their efforts”.

Enveco looks forward to continuing its collaboration with volunteers and residents to ‘Keep Blackpool Tidy’ and from our team we want to say a big THANK YOU for all you do!

Take a look at the pictures from the afternoon by clicking HERE. 

Conclusion of the 2024/25 Bag It, Bin It Campaign

Continuing the Fight Against Dog Fouling in Blackpool: Bag It, Bin It Campaign 2024/2025

As we conclude the second year of the Bag It, Bin It campaign, we reflect on the progress made in addressing the ongoing issue of dog fouling across Blackpool. Launched in partnership with Blackpool Council, the campaign has raised awareness, encouraged responsible dog ownership, and made significant strides in improving community engagement. The team’s continued focus on tackling dog fouling, especially during the darker months when incidents tend to rise, has shown meaningful results.

This year, 502 stencils were deployed throughout the town, reminding dog owners to “Bag It, Bin It,” while over 150 posters were placed in key locations to further reinforce the message. In addition to these visible reminders, we saw a remarkable increase in community participation. Over 500 ‘you have done the right thing’ cards were distributed, giving the responsible dog walkers a chance to enter a competition. The number of cards uploaded online rose to 101, an impressive increase from the previous year.

These efforts reflect a significant uptake in engagement, demonstrating that residents are becoming more mindful of their responsibilities when walking dogs. 3 warnings were issued this year, highlighting our commitment to educating the public and ensuring compliance. While the number of penalties remained low, this aligns with the intention to foster a culture of responsibility rather than relying on punitive measures.

The “Do the Right Thing” competition returned this year to reward responsible dog walkers. Winners are celebrated each month, receiving prizes such as a month’s supply of dog food. The competition not only acknowledges responsible behavior but also helps to inspire others to follow suit.

The challenge remains in continuing to educate and raise awareness. To that end, we continue to use street stencils as a visible tool to reinforce the campaign’s message and encourage responsible dog ownership.

As we wrap up the 2024/2025 campaign, we are proud of the progress made. The success of Bag It, Bin It reflects the power of community collaboration. While there’s still work to be done, we remain committed to reducing dog fouling and maintaining clean streets in Blackpool. By working together, we can continue to “Bag It, Bin It” and create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.

Enveco Launches Vape Recycling Initiative at Blackpool’s Household Waste Recycling Centre

We are excited to announce the launch of a vape recycling initiative at the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), marking an important step forward in managing waste from single-use vapes.

The HWRC team has been actively exploring ways to manage and recycle the growing volume of vape waste. After considerable research and efforts, they discovered a cost-effective solution following discussions with a Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) provider. In response, Enveco’s HWRC applied to the producer-funded scheme, resulting in Wastecare, a leading waste management company based in Widnes, being selected to handle vape recycling. The Wastecare solution is fully funded from the producer-funded scheme, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective approach for Blackpool residents.

The recycling process is simple and efficient. Residents can drop off their used vapes at the HWRC, where they will be safely stored in a specially provided receptacle. This ensures the safe disposal and recycling of vapes, reducing the environmental impact of these products.

Whilst it’s too early to estimate the total volume of vape waste, Enveco is optimistic that this initiative will provide a sustainable solution as demand for recycling increases, particularly with the government’s move towards a ban on single-use vapes.

Councillor Adrian Hoyle, Chair of the Enveco Board said:

“This is a significant step forward in vape waste management, benefiting both the environment and Blackpool. Enveco remains committed in providing innovative waste solutions and continues to seek new ways to improve recycling programs for the residents of Blackpool.”

Are you ready for the Christmas/Winter season?

To help, we have some important updates, helpful tips, and seasonal reminders to make your waste disposal and recycling efforts even easier during the festive season and beyond.

Green Waste

The Green Waste Service will have the usual winter break between the 22nd of November 2024 to the 17th of January 2025.

Christmas Tree Collection

Like previous years, the Trinity Hospice Charity will be collecting used Christmas Trees. If you would like your tree collected (for a small donation), please visit Trinity Hospice for details.

Winter Waste Collection Changes

To check your current waste collection day please click this link.

 

Winter and Post-Christmas Recycling Tips for Blackpool Residents

As the colder months and Christmas celebrations approach it’s important to stay mindful of how we handle our waste.

At Enveco NW, we’re committed to helping you recycle efficiently this winter. Here are some handy tips to make sure you’re doing your part for our environment:

Correct Use of Bins: Please ensure you’re using the right bins for your waste.

To help take a look at our BRAND NEW waste guide in the image below, which has been created with Makaton Symbols’*.

* Makaton is a communication programme that is increasingly used by people with communication difficulties to aid communication.

Wrapping Paper and Cards: Not all festive wrapping paper can be recycled. Avoid foil or glittery paper—stick to plain, non-laminated paper that can go in your brown sack.

Excess Packaging: With the increase in online deliveries, please remember to flatten and break down your cardboard boxes before placing them in your brown sack to make space for everyone’s recycling.

2. Unwanted Gifts and Items: If you have gifts you don’t need or items in good condition, consider donating them to our local Re-use Shop or a local charity. This helps reduce waste and supports the community.

3. Food Waste: During Christmas, food waste can increase significantly. Try to avoid overbuying and use leftovers creatively. If you do have unavoidable food waste, ensure it’s disposed of in your grey lidded bin.

By recycling thoughtfully and reusing where possible, we can all make a big difference this winter. Together, let’s Keep Blackpool Tidy and green throughout the festive season!

Keeping Blackpool Tidy with the help of the Environment Agency

Enveco NW Environmental Services Hosts The Second Annual Litter-Picking Event for Environment Agency Employees

This June, dedicated employees of the Environment Agency took to Blackpool’s beach and promenade to help Keep Blackpool Tidy from litter. Enveco’s street cleansing service diligently cleans the beach every morning from 6am, but due to the resort attracting a high footfall of visitors litter builds up throughout the day. The help from these events and Enveco’s valued volunteers adds an extra sparkle to Blackpool’s streets and town.

After a high tide, unusual items are often found on the beach, and this year was no exception, with the team discovering a large trowel and old metal buckets. The Environment Agency employees receive two volunteering days per year, and they have chosen litter picking again as they feel it’s crucial to the environment to keep it litter-free. Despite the wind, the team managed to collectively pick 72.5 kilograms of rubbish.

Enveco NW is proud to host this annual event, which not only benefits the local community but also demonstrates the Environment Agency’s commitment to environmental stewardship. If you would like to organise a company litter pick, email enquiries@enveconw.co.uk today – Or, if you want to become a part of the Keep Blackpool Tidy community,

If you want to a organise a company litter pick email enquires@enveconw.co.uk today. Or do you want to become apart of the Keep Blackpool Tidy community? Find out how today and go to the official Keep Blackpool Tidy page today.

Keep up-to-date with the latest Blackpool environmental campaigns and news by following socials today @EnvecoBlackpool.