Janet's bin loving it (From Western Telegraph)

Janet's bin loving it

SHE may be just five foot two inches tall and nine stone in weight but 41-year-old Janet Harris has become Pembrokeshire's first female refuse collector.

Janet has been on the rounds for just over two months and loves every minute of it.

Not surprising, as rubbish collecting seems to be in her blood. Her late father, Eddie Orchard, spent 30 years on the bins, while her uncle, Brian Reynolds, has 30 years' service and counting. Meanwhile, brother Nigel - known as Orchie the Bins - is also a well-known character on the Pembrokeshire rounds.

"I absolutely love it," said Janet. "If my Dad were alive now I know he would be so proud of me."

The former Royal Mail worker, who loves to work outdoors, started with Pembrokeshire County Council in April as part of a new intake to deal with Orange Bag collections.

As a relief collector she also carries out black bag collections and has travelled all over the county working with different crews.

"When I first started people were not too sure but now they know I can do it, they are absolutely brilliant," she said. "I'm one of the boys."

The public, too, has taken notice of Janet on her rounds.

"I think they're pleased to see me," she said. "On a round in the south of the county, an elderly gentleman told me he'd always wanted to see a female refuse collector."

Janet said there was no reason why other women could not become refuse collectors, provided they could do the job and put up with the banter.

"There is a lot of heavy lifting, but there's also great camaraderie," she said.

Refuse supervisor Barry Sharp said: "I think it's in her blood. If there are more women like her out there, then this could be the job for them."