'I am as dedicated to my new role': 53-year-old Northern Ireland waste worker crowned Mr February in UK’s ‘Buffest Binmen’ calendar
Craigavon waste worker Wilson Chambers has been named among the UK’s “Buffest Binmen”, featuring in a new 2026 charity calendar raising funds for FareShare
A Craigavon waste worker has been crowned one of the UK’s “Buffest Binmen” following a nationwide search celebrating bin workers across the country.
Wilson Chambers is one of just 12 waste workers selected to feature in a 2026 charity calendar created by waste management experts BusinessWaste.co.uk, with all profits going to food redistribution charity FareShare.
Mr Chambers, who works for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, said he is proud to be Mr February and loves his role serving the public.
“I take great pride in my work, helping the public in any way I can,” he explained. “I was previously a production manager in a pharmaceutical company, and I am as dedicated to my new role as I was with my previous employer.”
The competition aimed to shine a light on waste workers, who organisers say are often overlooked, while keeping the campaign light-hearted and raising money for charity.
Open to people of all ages, genders and locations working in the waste sector across the UK, the final 12 were selected by an internal judging panel. While physical fitness played a part in the “Buffest Binmen” title, judges also considered personality, enthusiasm and pride in the job.
The calendar, now on sale via the BusinessWaste.co.uk website, features exclusive images of the winners alongside details about their backgrounds and why they are proud to work in the waste industry.
Organisers say it also makes an ideal Christmas gift or novelty present, while supporting a good cause.
Mark Hall, waste management expert and co-owner of BusinessWaste.co.uk, said the project was about recognising an essential workforce.
“Our nation’s bin workers don’t get the appreciation they deserve, and this calendar is all about celebrating them,” he said. “It’s been brilliant to see the buzz around the competition, and we hope it helps shine a light on how much we rely on bin workers to keep our streets clean.”
Graham Kelly, head of fundraising at FareShare UK, thanked supporters for helping make the calendar a success.
“Your generous fundraising will help us get good-to-eat food to people who need it rather than letting it go to waste,” he added. “Every day, FareShare redistributes food to more than 8,000 charities across the UK, helping strengthen communities and change lives.”