The awards, which took place on Thursday 14 July 2011, were presented at the Hilton Hotel in London’s Park Lane to reward excellent practice in recycling and waste management. 

More than 600 attendees from small businesses, local authorities, major waste management companies and some of the world’s biggest companies saw Lichfield and Tamworth pick up the Local Authority Team award. The joint service beat Blaenau Gwent, Oxford, Torbay and Watford councils to scoop the top title.

The team was praised for its creative approach to service design that has helped it to achieve excellent results, in both cutting costs and delivering first class customer service. The judges also commented that the team brought about the biggest changes in its approach to recycling and waste management, which have delivered results.

In just 12 months, by working together, the two councils have not only improved the service they deliver to their residents, but have saved more than £750,000 across both authorities and cut carbon emissions by around 141,500 kg a year. 

Residents are recycling more, which means the amount of waste sent to landfill has gone down.  

Cllr John Garner, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste Management, said: “This is fantastic news for both Tamworth and Lichfield. The staff of both authorities have worked really hard and it proves convincingly that the consultation process we adopted prior to the joint arrangement was right. It has been a superb effort from a superb team. I must also thank the people of Tamworth and Lichfield who have both accepted and worked with us to make this service what it is. This is a truly fantastic result.”

Councillor Louise Flowith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services, said: “It’s an honour to win such a prestigious national award, and a huge well done must go to everyone in the team for their hard work. We are all totally focussed on offering a great waste and recycling service across Lichfield District and Tamworth Borough, and to be recognised in this way is confirmation that we are on the right track.”

For more information on the National Recycling Awards, please visit www.nationalrecyclingawards.com