Sandra McCluskey, owner of a waste collection firm in Milton Keynes, has spoken about the challenges of operating in an industry she describes as a "man's world." Despite facing initial warnings against entering the field, McCluskey has persevered, driven by a desire to see greener communities and a personal satisfaction in reusing discarded items.
The company has contributed to a significant reduction in fly-tipping in Milton Keynes, with figures showing a fall of more than a quarter over the past five years. However, the city council acknowledges that more work is needed to combat the issue.
McCluskey expressed frustration that responsible waste carriers are sometimes unfairly associated with unauthorized operators. She emphasizes that her business adheres to regulations, investing in licenses, insurance, and proper disposal fees. "Being a woman, I do have that bit of emotional attachment as well to the fact that I would like to see greener spaces and stronger communities," she stated.
The reward for her efforts, McCluskey noted, comes from seeing the positive impact of redistributing discarded items. She recalled an instance where she was able to provide a scooter, obtained from a tonne bag of discarded materials, to a child who had never owned one before. "If you can see a child of maybe five who's never had a scooter in their life, and I've managed to give that child a scooter through a donation I picked up in a tonne bag, and it hasn't ended up on the side of the road, and it's made someone really happy, I believe that's a really good thing to do," she said.
The issue of fly-tipping, the illegal dumping of waste, remains a concern for local authorities. In some areas, large accumulations of discarded materials, including construction debris and household items, have been documented. Such incidents not only blight the landscape but can also pose environmental and health risks.
McCluskey's experience highlights the broader challenges within the waste management sector, including perceptions and operational hurdles. Her commitment to environmental responsibility and community well-being underscores the potential for businesses to contribute positively beyond their core services.