COLIN Horton is retiring after 39 years collecting bins.
He has emptied his last bin for  Wyre Forest District Council and is now looking forward to retirement in Kidderminster.
However, he will not be far away from vehicles, as he intends to restore vintage cars with his new free time.
“I joined the council way back in July 1974 so it’s hard to imagine life without this job and I will miss a lot of my colleagues,” he said.
“I will now have more time to enjoy my favourite hobby; fixing up vintage cars and going to vintage car rallies.
“Best wishes to everyone at the council.”
Among those paying tribute to Mr Horton as he bids farewell to the council’s Green Street depot is Linda Collis, director of community wellbeing and environment and Councillor Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for environmental services. Coun Hart said: “Colin was a very dedicated and loyal employee who has worked hard to make refuse and recycling in the district as professional as possible.
“I know the rest of the team will really miss him; he’s been a popular character here for almost 40 years.”