Women in waste

For nearly a decade, Paris Senior has been at the heart of customer communication at L&S Waste Management. Having joined the business nine and a half years ago, she has grown alongside the company, progressing her career while helping to shape the fast-paced, customer-focused culture that defines the L&S call centre today.

Paris first entered the waste sector while working for a broker within the industry. It didn't take long for her to realise she'd found the right environment. “No two days were the same," she explains, and that variety, combined with the pace of the sector, immediately appealed to her. L&S stood out thanks to its strong reputation and clear growth trajectory, making it the natural next step.

Today, as Call Centre Manager, Paris leads a team that acts as the primary point of contact for customers. From new bookings and account support to pricing enquiries and problem-solving, the call centre is where relationships begin and solutions are shaped.

“The majority of first contact with our customers is through the call centre," she says. “From that very first conversation, we need to engage effectively and gather as much information as possible to ensure we meet their needs."

In an industry driven by logistics, compliance and tight timelines, the call centre plays a critical role in keeping operations running smoothly. It requires quick thinking, adaptability and confidence – qualities Paris believes are essential in waste customer services. “Things can shift day to day, so being able to think on your feet is vital."

Under her leadership, the team has built strong longevity, with most members having been part of L&S for three years or more. That retention speaks to the culture Paris has helped foster: motivated, driven individuals who keep the customer at the forefront of everything they do.

Over the past decade, she has also seen significant change within the industry itself, particularly in the opportunities available to women.

“The industry has changed drastically over the nearly ten years I've been part of it," she says. “There are far more opportunities now, and women absolutely have a voice and a place in this sector."

Paris is passionate about challenging misconceptions around waste management. Beyond the stereotype of trucks and skips lies a diverse sector offering careers in customer service, logistics, compliance, sales and leadership, all with real progression and long-term stability.

Her own journey is proof of that. L&S has supported her development by trusting her with increasing responsibility during a period of significant business growth. Reflecting on her career, she is proud of both her longevity and the progression she has achieved.

What motivates her day-to-day is simple: delivering excellent service and supporting her team. “Seeing positive outcomes from situations we've resolved is always rewarding," she says.

For anyone considering a leadership role in waste management, her advice is clear:

“Take every opportunity you're given. The industry is growing and expanding so quickly, you never know where it might lead. Be adaptable, be resilient, and remember that strong communication is key."

After nine and a half years, Paris continues to thrive in a sector she describes as varied, dynamic and full of opportunity; a reminder that behind every successful waste operation is a strong team keeping everything moving.

When Cassie Green took her HGV licence during COVID, she wasn't following a lifelong plan to work in waste, she was exploring new possibilities. After a career rethink, she decided to try a few driving roles to see what suited her. A short stint driving a bin lorry gave her a first taste of the industry, and less than three years ago she joined L&S as a Class 2 LGV driver, operating a tipper.

She hasn't looked back since.

Like many people, Cassie admits she hadn't fully appreciated the scale of the waste sector before stepping into it. “The volume!" she says. “I don't think most of us consider it much after it leaves our homes. If people saw incinerator centres or the waste sites, they'd think differently."

Now part of the frontline operation at L&S, Cassie plays a vital role in keeping sites moving. Her job demands concentration, skill and confidence, especially when it comes to manoeuvring heavy vehicles into tight or seemingly impossible spaces.

“Good manoeuvring skills are essential," she explains. “Some of the places we have to get our trucks into can seem impossible."

While waste is still widely seen as a male-dominated industry, Cassie is refreshingly pragmatic about it. “It is male dominated," she says, “but that's not to say it isn't welcoming to women. As more women realise it's an option, it will change."

One of the biggest advantages? Stability and routine. “It's generally day work, and you're home in your own bed every night," she says. In an industry where long-haul driving can mean nights away, that balance makes a real difference.

Cassie also values the independence her role brings. Out on the road, she's trusted to get on with the job. “You're mostly able to just get on with your work, with no constant calls from the office chasing things." There's a freedom to it too: creating her own environment in the cab, listening to what she wants and enjoying a bit of peace from office politics (and debates over the air conditioning settings).

When it comes to customer reactions, experiences can vary. Larger construction sites are increasingly used to seeing female drivers. On smaller private builds, there can still be surprise and sometimes doubt. “Sometimes I'm treated as a bit of a curiosity," she says, “and then there are those that assume I don't know what I'm doing… It's nice to leave them with a different opinion."

That quiet confidence is part of what makes her successful. Skill speaks for itself.

At L&S, she feels supported and heard. “When I've had issues, I've been listened to," she says, and even the improved holiday allowance doesn't go unnoticed.

For women considering an HGV career, her advice is straightforward and encouraging: “Do it. There are so many different jobs to do. Try a few before you decide; you might be surprised what clicks with you. Sometimes at the start you have to take what's on offer to gain experience, but there are always options."

And, some final advice, delivered with typical driver honesty, Cassie jokes: “Wear comfortable knickers!"

It's a light-hearted line, but behind it sits something more serious – a message that this industry is open, evolving and full of opportunity for those willing to take the wheel.

At just six months into her role at L&S Waste Management, Ellie is already an integral part of the Portsmouth depot operations team. Working on the weighbridge, she is responsible for weighing lorries in and out of site, ensuring that waste is correctly categorised and placed into the appropriate streams.

It's a role that sits at the heart of compliance and operational control, and one that requires accuracy, confidence and strong communication skills.

Ellie didn't set out to work in waste. When she heard about a Monday-to-Friday opportunity at the Portsmouth weighbridge, she saw it as a chance to try something new and build a stable career path. “I thought to myself that it would be a great opportunity to apply and try a new job role," she explains.

What she didn't expect was just how welcoming the industry, and the L&S team, would be.

“What surprised me the most is how genuine and kind the workers are here," she says. “It's never going to be easy, but I will always try my hardest to complete the tasks given."

The weighbridge plays a critical role in ensuring compliance and efficiency. Every load must be accurately recorded, every waste stream correctly allocated. It demands solid computer knowledge, confidence on the phone, and the ability to ask questions or challenge when something doesn't look right.

“It's about good communication and having the confidence to speak up when you need to," Ellie says.

Although waste is often described as a male-dominated sector, Ellie's experience tells a different story. “It's not the case that it's only for men," she says confidently. “Women can drive lorries, manage a weighbridge, and help run a waste industry just as well."

She believes waste management is a strong career choice for women because it offers genuine opportunity, the chance to develop skills, progress within the business and build confidence in a supportive environment.

“What makes L&S different is the community here," she explains. “The work is always there, everyone is kind, and it's a good opportunity because of the hard-working people and how well they treat you."

As one of the newer members of the team, Ellie values the support she has received. Drivers and colleagues have taken her “under their wings", helping her build confidence in a fast-moving operational setting. “You don't get mistreated for being a woman in this industry," she says. “You're respected."

Training has also played a key role in her development. “They never leave you in the darkness," she explains. “The amount of training really helps give you confidence."

For women considering a career in waste, her advice is simple and enthusiastic: “Do it. It's an amazing opportunity. Everyone is so friendly and willing to help, and you're treated with respect."

At the weighbridge, Ellie is part of the system that keeps the depot running smoothly. It may not be the most visible role in the business, but it is one of the most important, and proof that opportunity in waste management extends far beyond the driver's seat.

Behind every successful waste operation is a team ensuring that vehicles, drivers and systems are working in sync. At L&S Waste Management, Sam Jauncey plays a key role in making that happen.

Having joined the business 18 months ago, Sam works as a Transport Assistant, supporting the Transport Managers across a fleet of more than 100 drivers and vehicles – including skips, tippers, RORO and grab lorries. It's a role built on coordination, communication and attention to detail.

Her responsibilities span everything from providing driver hours to payroll and recording absence and holidays, to issuing order numbers to suppliers and ordering PPE for staff. In short, she helps ensure drivers have what they need to do their jobs safely, and that everything behind the scenes runs smoothly.

Sam didn't originally set out to work in transport. She trained as a hairdresser before moving into customer service, call centre management and administration within the gas sector. Later roles in construction and telecoms provided transferable skills – organisation, people management and operational awareness – that naturally led her towards logistics.

“I was looking for a new challenge where I could use those skills," she explains.

One of the biggest challenges in transport coordination? “People," she says candidly. “Making sure everyone gets what they need to do their job, and get paid, from PPE and logged hours to vehicles and training."

It's a reminder that logistics isn't just about trucks and routes. It's about systems, compliance and people management. Sam believes this is an area many underestimate.

“People generate waste, we take it away, and they don't see the work that goes into coordinating it all, ensuring our services are safe and lawful."

In an industry often perceived as male-dominated, Sam's experience at L&S reflects a more balanced reality. Across drivers, weighbridge, yard and office roles, women are visible and active throughout the business.

For women considering logistics or transport, her advice is simple: “It's a good choice. It's challenging, and there are opportunities for new experiences."

Waste and transport, she believes, offer strong long-term career prospects.

“Everyone has waste, and there is an increasing need to recycle, especially with growing government and corporate targets."

Since joining L&S, Sam has felt well supported. A structured introduction and job handover helped her settle into the role, and senior management maintain an open-door policy. “I believe I am well supported in my role," she says.

What she enjoys most about working at L&S comes down to two things: “People and a sense of purpose."

While she describes the company as not vastly different to others operationally, she highlights its culture and team as stand-out strengths. “We have a good culture and an amazing team of people."

Ultimately, what motivates Sam is knowing she plays a part in the success of a growing, essential business. Behind the scenes, her coordination and organisation help keep over 100 drivers and vehicles moving safely and efficiently every day.

It may not always be visible, but it is vital, and it is proof that logistics and transport offer meaningful, rewarding careers for women across the industry.