100kg of Rubbish Cleared in Hours

Exeter’s historic quayside got a whole lot cleaner last Friday, 20th June, as Coastal Recycling brought together 60 volunteers from 15 local businesses for its first-ever ‘Clean the Quay’ event, collecting an impressive 100kg of rubbish in just a couple of hours.

Held in celebration of Employee Ownership Day, the clean-up wasn't just about litter; it was about local action, collaboration, and creativity. Coastal Recycling, an employee-owned business, led the initiative with support from fellow employee-owned firms Stephens Scown and Market Carpets, alongside a vibrant network of sustainability-minded organisations.

Volunteers combed the Quay and surrounding areas, collecting waste and connecting over a shared purpose: protecting Exeter’s natural beauty. The collected waste will now be processed at Coastal’s facility, in line with its commitment to sustainable, circular waste management.

Adding artistic flair to the day, renowned street artist Steve McCracken joined in and transformed a Coastal skip into a striking piece of artwork, which became the central hub for waste collection. The eye-catching installation served as a powerful symbol of how creativity and environmental action can go hand in hand.

The clean-up concluded at Co Create Exeter, where volunteers gathered for refreshments and networking, celebrating their efforts and reinforcing community bonds.

“Clean the Quay reflects who we are as an employee-owned business. We’re united by a shared purpose and committed to making a positive impact,” said Emily Delve, Commercial Director at Coastal Recycling. “We’re proud to see so many local businesses, creatives, and partners come together to protect this beautiful part of our city.”

Coastal Recycling continues to champion community-led sustainability in the Southwest, proving that small actions, when done together, can make a big difference.