Coronavirus: Nottinghamshire County Council's waste contractor Veolia launches #StreetSmiles campaign to recognise work of its staff

Waste and recycling workers have been delighted by public support as smiling suns spread across the county.

Nottinghamshire County Council's waste contractor Veolia has launched a #StreetSmiles campaign to recognise the outstanding work of its staff who are carrying out essential services during the pandemic.

The company said it has already seen overwhelming support from the public with community members putting out smiling suns and thank you notes in their windows.

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

They can also Tweet a picture and message to @VeoliaUK or their local council with #StreetSmiles. Everything coming in is being fed back to the teams on the ground.

Ricardo Fernandes, Veolia waste collector 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.”

Waste and recycling services, from collections to sorting, reprocessing and disposal are vital to help protect the health of the county. Along with other key workers, waste teams across the UK are pulling together to keep everything moving.

Gavin Graveson, executive vice president for Veolia UK and Ireland, said: “We have been overwhelmed by public support for our front line staff, with many residents asking us how they can express gratitude towards their waste collectors. #StreetsSmiles allows residents to say thanks safely, and spreads sunshine to key workers as they carry out essential tasks.

“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.”

Search #StreetSmiles on Twitter to see some of the sunshine coming through.

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