On Saturday 15 June, the waste management sector will come together in Weston-super-Mare for the annual National Refuse Championships, sponsored by Imperial Commercials and DAF. Waste collection teams can still sign up to take part in the race.
The event raises money for the Alzheimer's Society and brings together waste collection crews and management from private and public sector organisations across the UK to take part in a series of races that test both strength and stamina to win the coveted National Refuse Champions 2019 trophy. A maximum of 32 teams can take part and there is still time to register.
Two teams, consisting of five crew, race each other at a time. They will be loading large wheelie bins with sand and pushing them 50m to empty into awaiting refuse vehicles. This process is repeated multiple times as the trucks move forwards in 50m stages until the final race to the finish line.
The winning team will be crowned the National Refuse Champions 2019, presented with a trophy and receive £3000 worth of Center Parcs vouchers. First place runners up will receive £1250 of Buy-A-Gift vouchers and second place runners up £1000 of Buy-A-Gift vouchers.
The event, which takes place at the Beach Lawns, Weston-super-Mare, starts at 9 am and finishes at 5.30pm, and features food stalls, live music, Fun Fair rides, a Kids Zone and a cider bar. All proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer's Society and the aim is to beat last year's total of £21,000. Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NationalRefuseChampionships2018?
Rachel Wright, Community Fundraiser at Alzheimer's Society said: ‘We're absolutely delighted that the organisers have chosen to unite with Alzheimer's Society for the third year running. Last year they raised over £21,000. Every pound raised this year will help Alzheimer's Society provide vital information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by the condition.'
The reigning champions are Grist Environmental and they will be defending their title this year. Local team, Biffa Weston who were first place runners-up last year are also returning and keen to take the crown.
On Friday 14 June the organisers are hosting a DECK day (Demonstrations, Education, Careers and Knowledge), with live product and vehicle demonstrations including the latest refuse vehicle technology, bin-weighing, cyclist safety and alternative fuels. Keynote speakers include Cynthia Barlow OBE, Chair of Road Peace, a national charity for road crash victims who is particularly active regarding the dangers of HGVs to cyclists and vulnerable road users.
