HTS and Harlow Council have been named collectively as one of the winners of the International Green Apple Environment Awards 2024.
The award recognises the work that both HTS and the Council have undertaken in partnership to improve the environment through the management of litter and engagement with the community.
Much hard work has gone into attaining this award, with HTS and the council working to improve the visibility of the town’s litter bins, invest in new ones and better maintain them to reduce litter. Innovative solutions including the use of QR codes on bins for reporting ones which need emptying and geographic information systems to map their locations and empty full bins more frequently, has led to Harlow being among the top places in the country for the least amount of litter as part of a Keep Britain Tidy audit back in May 2024. Contributing to the achievement has been the work to overhaul the way that streets are cleaned across the town.
In addition, community engagement work has been of huge importance; both the council and HTS have worked closely with the local ‘Wombles’, a group of volunteers who regularly carry out litter picks, as well as other community groups, to provide equipment, education and support to further reduce litter across Harlow, encourage recycling and protect the environment.
David Morrissey, Managing Director of HTS Group commented:
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and innovative spirit of the HTS teams and Harlow Council alongside the invaluable support from volunteers in our community. Together, we have not only enhanced the cleanliness and sustainability of our town but also set a benchmark for environmental stewardship. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this success.”
Commenting on the award, councillor Nicky Purse, cabinet portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said:
“I am immensely proud of every single member of staff within the both the environment teams as well as The Wombles and groups of volunteers for everything they do to help keep Harlow clean and tidy. It truly is a team effort to keep litter off our streets in Harlow.
“To be recognised by an international awards organisation – in fact the biggest environmental awards campaign in the world – is a major achievement and really shines a positive spotlight on the partnership work between HTS, the Council and residents. We will continue to work hard to improve the way we keep Harlow clean as part of our missions to renew our neighbourhoods and deliver high-performing council services.”
The award will be given out in November at a ceremony at The Orangery at Kensington Palace.