Our history

From a handful of local litter pickers in 1970 to thousands of volunteers keeping Glastonbury green today.

Where it all began

It all started at the very first Pilton Pop, Folk and Blues Festival in September 1970.

With a crowd of around 1,500, local kids and farm workers took on the task of clearing the fields.

What began as a small local effort has grown into a nationwide community of volunteers and charity teams, all helping return the Festival site to a working farm.

Finding our feet

Over the years, the team has taken on different names and been run by organisations including Greenpeace and Network Recycling.

But the mission has always remained the same: looking after the land we love.

Birth of the Recycling Crew

In 2002, we became the Recycling Crew we know today, with the much-loved Fiona Case leading the way from a tiny shared office on the farm, right next to the cow shed.

Back then, we shared Tom's Field with Oxfam, who looked after the gates and stewarding, along with a caterer and a trusty marquee that remained part of our Festival home until 2024.

From sorting tables to conveyor belts

From sorting cans and bottles on outdoor tables near what's now Woodsies, to operating the UK's largest temporary manual sorting line, we've come a long way!

In 2005, we pioneered food and compostable waste collections, long before most councils. Today, our eight conveyor belts help recover hundreds of tonnes of waste each Festival, consistently matching or exceeding local recycling rates.

A special thanks

Michael Eavis has always been a great supporter of the Recycling Crew, regularly taking time out of his busy schedule to personally thank our volunteers.

Those moments have meant the world to us, reminding everyone just how valued their hard work really is.

Words from the crew

  • "Even if you’re coming as a solo, it won’t be too long before you strike up some friendships. I can’t recommend it enough."

    Mike, 4 years volunteering

  • "The satisfaction and joy of being part of this elite crew is like having a Willie Wonka ticket."

    Huw, 9 years volunteering

  • "It feels like a privilege to play a part in keeping the festival running smoothly — the work we do genuinely matters."

    Jo, 6 years volunteering

  • "There is something about emptying bins while dancing along to bands like K.O.G. and So Good that made it so much fun, it didn’t feel like working."

    Conrad, 1 year volunteering