Teenager ‘binfluencer’ named Bury recycling ambassador

A 13-year-old “binfluencer” has been made an official recycling ambassador by a council.

Tommy was given the title by Bury Council and given a VIP tour of the council’s bin depot.

It comes after he was named the country’s top “binfluencer” by waste management and recycling firm Biffa for helping his mum and dad drastically cut down their household waste.

“He’s just absolutely had a ball, to see that as a mum and people be so kind and welcoming and inclusive with your child is wonderful,” Tommy’s mum Gemma said.

As part of the experience Tommy and his dad were given the opportunity to ride in bin lorry which he said was “very exciting.”

Bury Council invited Tommy for a full tour of its Bradley Fold depot after he was featured on BBC North West Tonight for his recycling efforts.

As part of his mission he encouraged his parents to move to reusable everyday items including cloths, food bags and wet wipes.

Artist Gemma, 42, and her husband Chris, 44, from Bury, said they had been amazed by how much money the family had saved by making some simple changes, like swapping from wipes for washable make-up remover pads.

Tommy was given his ambassadorship at the depot by the chair of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, who said he hoped more people would take inspiration from Tommy.

“We could probably learn a bit from Tommy,” Cllr Alan Quinn said.

“If it gets people thinking about putting the right thing in the right bin, that’s what we want.”