EnviroAbility, the Ross based-recycling charity is constantly evolving, and changes in the way they work meant that recently they faced the problem of finding somewhere to recycle their own redundant bins. This proved more difficult than first anticipated until one of the original architects of the project, Loyd Chandler, stepped in.

Loyd who used to be part of WCR and is now with Priority Hire, rejoined the team to help solve this problem. A group of willing volunteers rallied together with the use of a Priority Hire vehicle organised by Loyd to move the bins. This enabled EnviroAbility to fulfil their aims of recycling or reusing items where possible.

A spokesperson for EnviroAbility told the Ross Gazette that they have benefited greatly from the re-involvement of Loyd and his company, as moving this redundant stock could have proved quite costly for the charity.

Lloyd said “I was glad I was able to be of help to EnviroAbility in their time of need, and it was good to bump into some old faces and volunteers that made this project one of Europe’s leading lights in recycling projects of its time”.

EnviroAbility was established as a charity and not-for-profit company in 1999. It’s been carrying out its work since 1993, when a local community recycling group was set up to provide employment for people with learning disabilities and associated that employment with protecting the environment.

It was a great success. The team of workers were given valued, productive roles in the community, they challenged negative perceptions, and so they began to change how a whole community feels about, and interacts with, disadvantaged groups, and how these disadvantaged individuals feel about themselves.

One of EnviroAbility’s longest running successful projects was Industrial Recycling. It started with domestic kerbside. It was a successful partnership between Herefordshire council, WCR (a private company) and EnviroAbility. This partnership became one of the leading lights in community involvement and recycling, hitting some of the highest participation rates in Europe. Time moved on and recycling has changed and the council organise it differently.

EnviroAbility moved onto recycling for shops and some small industries, thanks to support from the Council and local businesses. This has changed the equipment they need.

If you are a local business that believes in recycling cardboard, paper and confidential waste, and wants to support this local initiative please do get in touch.

They offer a quality service while providing opportunities for people from disadvantaged groups to get involved, for many this has proved a positive way to gain or re-gain full employment. Or as one of the guys said “Yes that’s true but do mention we all have fun and meet loads of new people while doing it.”

If you are interested in volunteering or would like any further information regarding the industrial recycling service they offer, please call the office on 01989 763388 and speak to a member of the team, they will be happy to visit and explain.