Become a waste reduction volunteer

If you are passionate about reducing waste, Cheshire East Council would like to hear from you.

The authority is on the hunt for volunteers to attend several roadshows, advising local residents on reducing waste, composting and making the most of leftover food.

Each volunteer receives training and will be asked to participate in a number of local events, throughout the year and will receive free membership to Garden Organic, the UK’s leading organic growing charity. 

Recruitment will begin in October and anyone who would like to become a waste reduction volunteer can contact the project coordinator on 0300 123 5511 or apply online at: cheshireeast.gov.uk/recycling.

The waste reduction volunteer project is a joint scheme being run by Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council. Training will take place on November 13 and 14.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “There are many benefits to becoming a waste reduction volunteer: learning new skills, working in the community and meeting new people.

“Our volunteers are an invaluable resource, providing a direct link with Cheshire East Council and local residents.”

Hayley Wood, Cheshire East Council’s waste reduction volunteer project coordinator, added: “I find it truly fantastic working with such a dedicated bunch of individuals who never cease to amaze me with their enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of food and home composting.

“The project is designed to be insightful, educational but most of all fun. It is always rewarding when the volunteers talk to me about the experiences they’ve had on the many events they have been involved with.”

Case Study

Bob Edge, from Wettenhall, has been working on the Cheshire waste reduction scheme for nearly a year… “I have some 15 years experience of composting and I am an active supporter of waste reduction. I have recently acquired much more knowledge through Cheshire East Council’s training and have learnt from the many experienced people I have met at the variety of events I have attended.

“I am now thoroughly enjoying passing on this knowledge to others. The opportunity to become a volunteer on the Cheshire project came about as I had a growing desire to work with the public and had realised that I was too old for a career change.”