SiteKind

Celebrating our high-viz heroes

Veolia’s first High-Viz Heroes Day took place on 26 June 2026, to recognise the essential workers who keep our communities running smoothly. From collection crews and street cleansers to sorting teams at recycling sites, these are the dedicated people who maintain clean streets, identify recyclable materials, and help residents and businesses dispose of waste correctly, every single day.

Communities across the UK came together in the days leading up to and on 26 June to share their appreciation, with messages, drawings, and stories flooding in from residents and businesses alike. Veolia's social media channels also featured crews talking about what they love about their jobs, a genuine reminder of the pride and dedication that goes into this work day in, day out.

Whilst most people are respectful and appreciative, these workers do face daily challenges from a small minority, including verbal abuse and aggressive behaviour that impacts their wellbeing. No one should feel unsafe or disrespected for simply doing their job, and that message remains just as important now as it did on the day itself.

Being StreetKind and SiteKind shouldn't stop on 26 June. A smile, a wave, a kind word, or a moment of patience on the road mean a great deal to the people on the receiving end. For workers who are out in all weathers, all year round, that acknowledgement goes a long way.

A simple act of kindness can make a meaningful difference. High-Viz Heroes Day is here to stay, so keep your eyes peeled for next year's celebrations and another chance to show these essential workers the appreciation they truly deserve.

Highlights from High-Viz Heroes Day!

Thank you for showing appreciation to our High-Viz Heroes

“The waste collection teams working on our road are exceptional. My children love seeing them at work and the Veolia team are always so kind to them. They are so warm, always saying hello, and offered to show them the rubbish truck which they loved. Our family really appreciate their hard work.” - a Bromley resident

“Great staff. Alex was particularly helpful and was obviously keen to help everyone. I cannot praise the staff enough for their cheerful demeanour and attentiveness to keeping the site tidy and easy to use ” - a visitor to Purley Oaks Recycling Centre, Croydon

"Great to meet the Croydon Council fly tip team again today. I reported a fly tip and they attended in less than 5 minutes! Great job Veolia" - Councillor James Hillam

“The team on-site are brilliant. Despite how busy it can get, everyone I encountered was professional, very helpful, and had a great attitude. Their support makes a real difference when you're navigating the different skips. It feels great to have a reliable place to "ditch" old household items, knowing they are being handled properly for better recycling and re-use. It really encourages you to be more environmentally conscious with your waste. ” - a visitor to Bickenhill Recycling Centre

“I would like to give a big shout out to the three guys who collect my general rubbish. I have an autistic grandson who loves to watch them collecting the garbage and they bring the truck outside the house so he can watch the bins being emptied. They always talk to him and give him a wave when they have finished in the Close. It makes his day a little less ordinary so thank you.” - a Bromley resident

"I just wanted to say what a wonderful efficient service you have at Aldershot tip. My husband and I were overjoyed with the help we received from the staff, they were so friendly and really made us feel appreciative of their service. What a pleasant experience, thank you gentlemen." - a visitor to Aldershot Recycling Centre, Hampshire

“Every time I visit, the site manager is always busy but takes the time to have a polite chat and offer to help with any heavy items. He is constantly greeting people arriving, guiding them, offering to help and generally keeping the place running efficiently. Its so refreshing to see somebody working hard, being polite and helpful!” - a visitor to Formby Recycling Centre, Merseyside

“Also just want to say thank you to all the bin men that come to my road! I'm a wheelchair user and they collect my bin and always put it back for me in the same place! And another thanks for how friendly they all are! Whenever we are lucky enough to cross paths with them, my 4 year old son gets very excited and they always take the time to wave and say hello! It really makes his day! Thank you again.” - a Watford resident

"The employees at South Sefton Recycling Centre are an absolute credit to their company!! What a lovely bunch of young men, they spotted my disability badge and greeted me with the utmost respect and emptied my car out completely, kindness really does make a difference , I am not too good on computer reviews things but I had to get my daughter to help me show some appreciation for these great young men, God bless them all and thank you lads keep being you." - a visitor to South Sefton Recycling Centre, Merseyside

“On arrival at the HWRS, I was greeted by an operative who was not only polite but also genuinely helpful. After I mentioned that I have a disability, he kindly assisted me in unloading my vehicle, which made a real difference. His support turned something that was going to be challenging into a stress-free experience, and I’m very grateful for that." - a visitor to Maresfield Recyling Centre, East Sussex

“One of your employees is a real credit to the company. As a disabled member of the public who visits the site regularly, I value her constant support and kindness. She is always ready to help, offering patience, understanding, and a warm welcome. Her professionalism and genuine care make a real difference, and her dedication deserves recognition” - a visitor to Old Swan Recycling Centre, Merseyside.

"I regularly engage with residents across villages, and I have noted numerous positive comments regarding the team's work. Their service is clearly valued within the community, and it is evident that they make a meaningful contribution to local residents. In particular, Kev and his team are consistently described as polite, helpful, and hardworking." - a visitor to Warsop Recycling Centre, Nottinghamshire

We are asking the public and our teams to be SiteKind.

It’s our way to make sure every one of our people is treated with the kindness and respect we all deserve at work.

In 2025, we recorded 490 cases of abuse toward our employees, which included 38 physical attacks. This is not okay.

Whether they are out in the streets collecting recycling and waste, keeping town centres clean or running our public recycling sites, our teams are working hard to deliver vital services for the community.

What is SiteKind?

SiteKind has launched across 24 Veolia contracts to support frontline teams across the UK

SiteKind is:

Being as accommodating as possible
Treating each other with kindness and respect
Being patient while we work

SiteKind isn't:

Being verbally or physically abusive
Putting others at risk on roads or on our sites
Revving engines and honking horns

Show your support by posting your appreciation with the hashtag, #SiteKind and tag @VeoliaUK or simply show your appreciation for our teams with a smile and a wave.

Veolia frontline staff and managers stand with the local Councillor between SiteKind campaign banners

Greenwich SiteKind Launch

Veolia frontline operatives and senior management stand beside the SiteKind sign.

West Berkshire SiteKind Launch

Veolia operatives, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner and Council members stand smiling at the camera in front of a sign that says 'Thank you for treating our people with respect'.

South Downs SiteKind Launch

Solihull SiteKind Launch

Hear from our Risk and Assurance Officer

“We know the majority of the public and our residents are kind and courteous to our people and recognise the good work they do. Unfortunately, there is a minority that feel like they can verbally and physically abuse our people and it is something we are keen to raise awareness of and stand shoulder to shoulder with our teams to say this is not acceptable and we will take action to stop it.”

RICHARD HULLAND
Chief Risk and Assurance Officer