Smart recycling bin prototype unveiled as R17 celebrates young innovators in Littleborough

Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:32

By David Murphy

(left) Consort to the Mayor of Rochdale, Mr Ken Emsley, Mayor of Rochdale, Coun Janet Emsley, R17 Founder, Stephen Ingham and T-level Hopwood Hall Student, Oscar Hill

Young people’s ideas were brought to life in Littleborough on Friday 23 May, as R17 Group hosted a community event to showcase the first phase of its smart bin project, developed through the Emsley Engineering Award initiative.

The get together, held at R17’s community hub in the heart of Littleborough, welcomed local businesses, dignitaries and supporters. Guests included Coun Janet Emsley, the Mayor of Rochdale, who the award is named after, MP for Rochdale Paul Waugh, and Rochdale’s first Poet Laureate, Sammy Weaver.

The smart bin project was inspired by submissions from local Cub and Scout groups, who were challenged to design practical solutions for a more sustainable Rochdale. The winning idea, a bin that rewards users for recycling has since been turned into a working prototype.

Oscar Hill, a T Level student from Hopwood Hall College, joined the R17 team on a placement in January, and after seeing his potential after he fixed one of the office microwaves, was put to work to help develop the bin, bringing hands-on technical skills to the project.

Coun Emsley unveiled the wooden prototype at the event and praised the work of everyone involved. “It’s absolutely fantastic,” she said. “R17 has created a lively community hub out of what was once a forgotten part of Littleborough. They are putting our town on the map globally.”

R17 Group, which focuses on sustainable energy and manufacturing, launched the Emsley Engineering Award in 2024 as part of its commitment to local regeneration and engineering. The initiative forms part of a wider effort to encourage innovation in the borough, linking engineering with the arts and community development.

Founded by Stephen Ingham, R17 continues to reinvest in the community, supporting early stage businesses and projects with a positive local impact.

As well as celebrating the smart bin project, the event also introduced this year’s expanded Literature and Engineering competitions, with poet Sammy Weaver sharing how creativity will continue to play a role in future activities.