Stirling employee named Waste Champion 2021

A long-serving member of the City of Stirling’s Waste and Fleet team has been recognised at the 2021 WasteSorted Awards.

Coordinator Waste Services Keith Rickman was last night named the 2021 Waste Champion for his leadership in the waste sector over almost five decades.

A well-known and respected City employee, Keith was instrumental to the success of the Recycling Shop at the Recycling Centre Balcatta, he instituted the hugely successful charity clothing bin program, and as a forward thinker, has been pivotal to the success of sector-wide improvements over his long career.

Keith also worked with colleagues and Total Green Recycling to kick-start e-waste recycling across the City of Stirling, now one of the biggest e-waste collection partnerships in Australia. His passion and efforts have helped the City of Stirling achieve national status in many of its waste endeavours.

Keith has been involved with the City for over 50 years, having delivered pamphlets for the City of Stirling as a primary school student.

“The biggest change during my time in waste and fleet at the City has been the use of technology,” he said.

“The highlight for me has been the great people and employees around me over the journey – past and present. It’s all about the teamwork and I wouldn’t be where I am now without the team around me.”

Mayor Mark Irwin said the City was extremely proud of the work Keith had achieved to champion for waste across the City and the impact his commitment has had on the broader community.

“Congratulations to Keith on being recognised for excellence in the waste sector – this accolade is outstanding and the City is privileged to have him as a valued member of the Waste and Fleet team.

“I’d like to thank him for his long-standing service to the City of Stirling and the community through his achievements in the waste sector.”

Chairman of the Waste Authority Reg Howard-Smith said the 2021 WasteSorted Awards were a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our state’s waste champions who are making positive waste change across Western Australia.

“Congratulations to all of the winners, finalists and entrants for their outstanding achievements working towards a better waste future through improved waste practices and innovative waste solutions,” he said.

“Our waste champions should be applauded for making change on the ground; raising awareness; implementing programs and inspiring others to change the way they think, act and behave in relation to waste.”

Held by the Waste Authority of Western Australia, the annual WasteSorted Awards (previously known as the Infinity Awards) celebrate Western Australia’s waste champions and recognise projects that avoid waste, recover value from waste streams and protect the environment.

There are 10 award categories and two discretionary award categories, highlighting some incredible projects and individuals working across the state’s waste sector.

For the list of winners, please visit www.wasteauthority.wa.gov.au/about/view/wastesorted-awards

For more about waste management in the City of Stirling, head to www.stirling.wa.gov.au/waste

Photo: Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson BA MLA Minister for Environment; Climate Action; and Commerce, Coordinator Waste Services Keith Rickman and Chairman of the Waste Authority Reg Howard-Smith.