I am a woman in a man’s world, says Milton Keynes refuse owner

The waste management sector, traditionally perceived as rugged and physically demanding, has long been a bastion of male employment. Data from the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM) confirms this disparity, revealing that only 19% of the waste management workforce across the country is female. This statistic paints a vivid picture of the environment McCluskey operates in, an environment where she has been explicitly "warned" about her involvement. Such warnings, she reflects, often carry an implicit message that a woman’s capabilities might not align with the industry’s demands. However, McCluskey firmly counters this antiquated viewpoint, asserting, "Just because I’m a woman, it doesn’t mean that I can’t do the job efficiently." Her journey is a testament to challenging these entrenched gender stereotypes, proving that efficiency, dedication, and a strong business acumen are not exclusive to any gender.

McCluskey’s path to establishing "The Firm" has been one of resilience and determination, shaped profoundly by her personal life experiences. Her initial foray into waste clearance a few years prior was unfortunately derailed by the onset of the Covid pandemic, a period that brought unprecedented challenges to many nascent businesses. Yet, once the global health crisis subsided and masks were packed away, her vision for a responsible and community-focused waste enterprise re-emerged with renewed vigour. It was from this crucible of past attempts and a persistent dream that "The Firm" was truly born. Her entrepreneurial drive is deeply intertwined with her own history of hardship, a history that includes periods of homelessness, navigating life on benefits as a single parent, and enduring the tragic loss of her son. These profound personal trials have not broken her spirit but instead instilled in her a unique empathy and an acute understanding of vulnerability.

This lived experience is the bedrock of her company’s distinctive ethos. Where others might see mere refuse, McCluskey sees potential for transformation and support. "I could see how things could help people," she explains, highlighting her ability to identify valuable items amidst discarded waste. Her company actively salvages reusable goods, diverting them from landfill and redirecting them to those in need. Examples abound: mattresses providing comfort to single mothers struggling to furnish a home, functional dishwashers and washing machines easing the burden on families, clothes offering dignity to the homeless, and even bottled water collected from event clearances providing essential hydration. For McCluskey, this circular economy model is not just good business; it’s a direct extension of her desire to uplift and support the vulnerable, leveraging waste as a resource for community benefit.

However, operating in this sector, particularly with such a strong ethical stance, has presented significant hurdles and even personal risks. McCluskey recounts a harrowing incident where bricks were thrown through a window at her house. This act of intimidation, she believes, was a direct consequence of her "strong stand" against a company she suspected of operating without the necessary licences. This incident starkly illustrates the darker side of the waste management industry, where legitimate, licensed businesses like "The Firm" often find themselves battling an unregulated underworld. Unlicensed waste carriers pose a severe threat, not only by undercutting ethical businesses but, more critically, by being irresponsible about the ultimate destination of the waste they collect. This negligence is a primary driver of fly-tipping, a persistent environmental blight. McCluskey passionately argues that responsible carriers, who diligently pay for licences, insurances, and legitimate tip fees, are often unfairly "tarred with the same brush" as these rogue operators, despite their commitment to legal and environmental standards.

The issue of fly-tipping is particularly pertinent in Milton Keynes, the area where "The Firm" primarily operates. While the city has seen a commendable reduction in fly-tipping by more than a quarter over the past five years, the city council acknowledges that "there is much more to do." McCluskey’s work directly supports these ongoing efforts, offering a reliable and ethical alternative to illegal dumping. Her approach, however, is infused with an additional layer of personal investment. "Being a woman, I do have that bit of emotional attachment as well to the fact that I would like to see greener spaces and stronger communities," she reflects. This emotional connection translates into a holistic vision for her business, where environmental responsibility is intertwined with social impact, fostering a cleaner and more compassionate local environment.

Ultimately, for Sandra McCluskey, the true reward of her arduous work transcends financial gain; it resides in the profound joy derived from making a tangible difference in people’s lives. She vividly describes the simple yet powerful satisfaction of witnessing the happiness of a child who, perhaps for the first time, receives a scooter – an item salvaged from a waste bag, spared from landfill, and transformed into an object of delight. "If you can see a child of maybe five who’s never had a scooter in their life, and I’ve managed to give that child a scooter through a donation I picked up in a tonne bag, and it hasn’t ended up on the side of the road, and it’s made someone really happy, I believe that’s a really good thing to do," she articulates. Her company, "The Firm," stands as a beacon of ethical practice, environmental care, and community spirit within a challenging industry. Sandra McCluskey is not merely a refuse owner; she is a resilient entrepreneur, a compassionate advocate, and a pioneering woman who, despite the obstacles, is steadfastly working to create a greener, more equitable world, one reusable item and one happy recipient at a time. Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that true leadership and impact come from a blend of determination, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to one’s values, regardless of the "world" one operates in.