Many people know of the UK’s current involvement in Afghanistan but less well known is the work that The Afghan Association does in this country to represent the interests of the UK’s Afghan community. In addition to providing an advice and referral service for Afghans, particularly in the fields of immigration, health, welfare benefits and housing as well as promoting education among the Afghan community in the UK, through the provision of a library and  language classes, the Afghan Association also provides leisure and recreation opportunities to community members.

In August, the Association provided just such an opportunity in the form of a Festival, held at its Harrow headquarters – and it asked Waste King, the specialist collection, clearance and recycling company, to clear away the waste at the end of the festivities.

According to Waste King’s operations director, Andy Cattigan, Waste King’s operative collected 2.4 tonnes of general rubbish as part of the clearing up process. In addition, Waste King provided a 32 yard skip – which was also filled.

“Naturally, we were able to recycle over 90 per cent of all the waste that we collected,” Andy said. “So, thanks to the knowledge and skills of our experienced staff, the entire event was extremely ‘environmentally friendly’.”

According to the Afghan Association, conflict and persecution in Afghanistan have led to a large number of refugees fleeing their homeland and claiming asylum in the UK. The Association aims to help its clients integrate into British society while conserving their own cultural identity through the services and cultural events that it offers. The road to integration into British society is a challenging one – and many immigrants can feel intimidated, isolated and helpless. The Afghan Association seeks to alleviate these problems, providing help to asylum seekers and other members of the Afghan community in London.

Glenn Currie, Waste King’s managing director, said: “Waste King was delighted to be able to play a part – albeit a small but important one – in helping the Afghan Association to pursue these aims through celebrating its valuable culture within Britain’s increasingly interesting and diverse society.”