'Overwhelming' support for refuse collectors in Northampton with smiling suns campaign

Refuse collectors have been given a boost by seeing all of the smiling suns around Northampton as a show of support for their work during the coronavirus crisis.

The #StreetSmiles campaign was launched by waste contractor Veolia to recognise the outstanding contribution of their workers carrying out essential services.

Waste collector Ricardo Fernandes said: “When I started to see the smiling suns coming through for us it made my day.

"I’m proud to be doing what I do and keeping communities going, but it can be hard. Seeing the public support out there makes a huge difference for us.”

The #StreetSmiles campaign asks people to place a smiling sun picture in their window or somewhere near to their bins where their collectors can see it.

They can also tweet a picture and message to @VeoliaUK or @NorthamptonBC with #StreetSmiles - everything coming in is being fed back to the teams on the ground.

A Northampton Borough Council spokesman said: “Alongside many other frontline services, the efforts of Veolia's refuse collection and street cleansing teams should be applauded, as they are keeping collections running and help protect communities and public health during these unprecedented times.

“I would like to thank our residents for their continued support and encourage everyone to safely say thanks to our bin heroes through the #StreetSmiles campaign.

"During these challenging times let’s remember that not all heroes wear capes.”

Veolia UK and Ireland executive vice president Gavin Graveson said they have been overwhelmed by public support for frontline staff, with many residents asking us how they can express gratitude towards their waste collectors.

"#StreetSmiles allows residents to say ‘thanks’ safely and spreads sunshine to key workers as they carry out essential tasks," he said.

“I am extremely proud to work in the waste industry and that Veolia’s teams, and all individuals in the sector, are delivering for the nation during this challenging time.

"We hope that residents can continue to support us by following the government's advice closely, and brightening up the days of our hard-working staff by displaying a smiling sun in their windows.”