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

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.