'I am a woman in a man's rubbish world'
A woman who runs a waste collection firm says she was warned not to get involved in the industry.
Sandra McCluskey, the owner of a waste collection company in Milton Keynes, is determined to change the predominantly male-dominated waste management industry. Despite being warned about the challenges she might face, McCluskey believes that being a woman gives her a unique perspective and emotional attachment to her work. She aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill or left by the roadside by redistributing reusable items to those in need.
McCluskey, who has faced personal hardships, including homelessness and the loss of her son, sees value in giving discarded items a new purpose. For instance, she has provided a scooter to a child who had never owned one and has donated items such as mattresses, dishwashers, and washing machines to individuals in need. Despite encountering obstacles, such as bricks thrown through her window after confronting unlicensed waste carriers, McCluskey remains committed to her cause.
She argues that licensed waste carriers are often unfairly criticized alongside unregulated companies, despite their adherence to regulations and responsible waste management practices.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
