A photo of a forest green bin lorry with bright yellow markings. It is parked diagonally with the front of the lorry facing the camera. The driver's door is open and has a graphic that reads "South Kesteven District Council" and has the authority's logo next to it.South Kesteven District Council
Holly Phillips
BBC News
A council in Lincolnshire has received a national award for its waste collection services.
South Kesteven District Council's (SKDC) bin crews have been named the most improved performer at the national APSE Performance Networks Awards.
Throughout 2024, the council's waste services have been revamped as it introduced separate paper and card collections, a battery recycling service and new bin lorries.
The win comes after SKDC's introduction of purple-lidded bins to separate paper and card caused upset with local people at the start of the year.
The authority also started putting tags on residents' bins when the wrong waste was found inside.
At the time, one householder labelled the scheme as "petty and ridiculous", while another said it discouraged them from recycling at all.
Despite the criticism, the strategy contributed to the council's award win.
Councillor Rhys Baker said: "This sort of improvement doesn't simply 'happen' and I am so proud of the team. I couldn't ask for a better Christmas present than this national recognition for our crews and staff."
He added that the council has further plans to invest in its equipment and vehicles and confirmed its new depot will open at the end of 2025.
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Related topics
South Kesteven District Council
Recycling
Waste management