Charnwood refuse supervisor retires after 56 years 

He has shared some of his memories as the borough marks its 50th anniversary.

A refuse supervisor who has been collecting waste and recycling in Charnwood for 56 years, has retired exactly 56 years to the date he started.

Mick Wright started as a refuse collector for Barrow Upon Soar Rural District Council on May 3, 1968.

The first refuse depot Mick worked from was on Cemetery Road in Sileby, and the Council offices were on Fowkes Street in Rothley. His first round took place in Birstall.

Mick has looked back on how some things have changed over the years.

He said: “I think one of the biggest differences is the type of bin. When I first started, homes had one metal bin and we used to go down alleyways and into gardens to collect them.

"That meant we got to know residents more than crews may do now. I would lift the bin onto my back and shoulders and then empty it into the truck.

“When recycling was first introduced, we had boxes for glass and bags for recycling before the wheelie bins arrived.

“Also, people didn’t have a bin day as such, we would complete the rounds throughout the week and because we were going onto their property to collect the bin, they didn’t need to worry about presenting it for collection on ‘bin day’.

“The trucks weren’t as big or technical either! Smaller 18 tonne trucks used to collect the waste compared to the 32 tonne lorries that residents see on the road today which have a range of safety features and software installed.

“There were no hi-vis vests or gloves provided back in the 1970s! Sometimes on really cold days, I would wear two pairs of socks and use one of the pairs as gloves because my hands were freezing.”

Throughout the years, Mick has been a refuse collector and HGV Class 2 driver before moving into a supervisory role in 2001.

He said: “Every job comes with ups and downs and that’s the same with the different roles I’ve done. However, even with the early mornings and the cold, wet or frosty weather, I’ve enjoyed them all. Even though I’ve been here 56 years, I’ve still not been formally told I’ve passed my six-month probation!

“Although things have changed over the years, there are different pressures and demands on our crews today and they work just as hard.”

Charnwood Borough Council and its refuse partner Serco have thanked Mick for his hard work and service.