From major vehicle manufacturers to local authorities and regional waste operators, big names from the waste management sector are getting behind this year's National Refuse Championships (NRC) at Weston-super-Mare beachfront on 15 and 16 June.
The event, which raises money for The Alzheimer's Society, will have twice the number of teams it had last year and the addition of an exhibition on Friday 15 June. There is also a full seminar programme covering issues such as Road Risk Reduction, Vehicle Safety, Bin Weighing and the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).
Exhibitors include: vehicle manufacturers Dennis Eagle, DAF and NTM; national waste operators Biffa, Amey, Kier and Grundon; leading regional operators including Devon Contract Waste and Simply Waste; and local authorities such as Oxford City Council, Aylesbury Vale District Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Swindon Borough Council.
Spencer Law, founder of the NRC, said: 'We're delighted with the response from the industry. The event is gathering such momentum, which is fantastic news especially as we want to raise as much as we can for The Alzheimer's Society.
'We have a great range of seminars and a wide range of exhibitors. There is something for everyone whether they are a driver, loader, supervisor or senior manager.
'The races are very entertaining, free to watch and it's a family friendly event with entertainment for the kids, and food and drink stalls. Everyone is welcome'
Fun rides will be available on Saturday 16 June, with burgers, hot dogs and drinks available to buy. There is also grandstand seating with priority for exhibitors.
Laura Hewitt, community fundraiser for Alzheimer's Society, said: 'We're very grateful to the National Refuse Championships for choosing Alzheimer's Society as their supported charity for a second year running.
'Over 850,000 people are currently living with dementia with someone developing it every three minutes; this is why Alzheimer's Society are calling on people to come together to urgently find a cure, improve care, and offer help and understanding. It is only with the generous support of events such as this one that we can continue to create lasting change for people affected by dementia'
On the evening of Friday 15 June there is a pre-race fundraising reception with complimentary drinks sponsored by Dennis Eagle, a buffet, live music and featuring a raffle of prizes. The races are sponsored by Indelease, a contract hire, asset finance and fleet management company.
There are 32 teams and 160 drivers and loaders ' men and women ' taking part in the races on Saturday 16 June.
David Clark, Transport Manager of Aylesbury Vale District Council, said: 'Since winning the event last year there has been so much positivity across the crews and council departments, which is fantastic. It has been great for team-building. Our female crew members are keen to show that they can beat the men'
