Wainwright coordinates industry litter pick on 13 miles of public highway

Wainwright recently coordinated a combined effort by five quarry companies in the Mendip Hills to clear litter and larger items such as abandoned mattresses and microwaves from 13 miles of public highway. 

As well as organising the project, Wainwright supplied traffic management and supervisors over five days during the week commencing Monday, 16 April.

Other companies involved – all members of the Mendip Quarry Producers (MQP), which funded the litter pick – were Aggregate Industries, Hanson, Tarmac, and Morris & Perry.

With the companies taking it in turns to provide volunteer staff each day, the litter pick focused on roads around the Mendip Hills. More than 550 bags of litter were collected throughout the week, giving a sense of the scale of the operation.

“Littering is an issue that I feel very strongly about,” said Peter Barkwill, Wainwright’s Chief Executive, who initially proposed the idea of an MQP-sponsored litter pick. “Our beautiful landscape is blighted by litter strewn among hedgerows and in verges. By clearing it, we’re improving the situation for everyone, and making a tangible difference to our surroundings.”

Mendip District Council was pleased to support the litter pick, and three of its councillors came to speak with volunteers on the final day, Friday, 20 April. They were Cllr Nigel Taylor, Cllr Philip Ham and Cllr John Parham.

Cllr Parham, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and Corporate Services, said: “Congratulations to all of the quarry businesses that were involved in this worthwhile project, it was a fantastic effort and you can absolutely see the difference they have made along the route.

“We look forward to working with them all on future events and offer support to see how in the future we can recycle as much of the litter as possible.”

Mr Barkwill added: “We hope to make the litter pick an annual event, to keep on top of this problem in future. It is clear that the government alone cannot afford the cost of keeping our countryside litter-free, so companies like Wainwright and our fellow MQP members need to step up and make a difference for the good of everyone.”

“I found it inspiring to be involved in this project,” said Paul Bishop, a Wainwright employee who took part in the litter pick. “I live locally, and I’m proud that our quarry companies have pulled together to improve the environment in this way.”