Frank's Everyday Faith life 'on the bins'

He is a refuse collector in Halton and has hundreds of stories to tell. His journey of faith began when he attended a Tea at the Tower event, and since then, he’s gone from bellringer to churchwarden at St Helen’s, Northwich.

Frank meets people from all walks of life in his job—something he loves about being a self-described “binny.” His rounds take him from millionaire mansions tucked behind gated driveways to houses of multiple occupancy, where residents on low incomes work shifts around the clock and often “hot-bed” to make ends meet.

“You can tell a lot about people from their rubbish,” Frank says. He’s been trained to spot signs of terrorism and various forms of abuse, and he takes seriously the responsibility of being a watchful presence in the community.

One of his favourite Bible passages is the story of the Good Samaritan.

“It was a revelation when I realised Jesus told that story,” he says.

“The Samaritans were the outsiders—the ones no one expected to help."

You could say that's a bit like people who deal with rubbish.

Frank says, "Everyone has an opinion about bin men or bins or their bin service because everyone uses it.”

Frank’s faith has transformed his outlook, especially at work.

“I used to be quite grumpy,” he admits. “Later, I was diagnosed with PTSD after reporting a crime. But growing in faith over the last few years has changed me. Everyone I work with can see it.”

He speaks warmly of his colleagues, many of whom have “very good hearts” even if they don’t attend church.

“They’re open to listening. But in other parts of my life, I meet people who are more opinionated. When I mention church, they say, ‘Don’t ram it down my throat!’ They’re adamant—‘I’m an atheist, calm down, you’re not going to convert me!’”

Frank sees himself in the parable of the lost sheep.

“That’s me—I wandered off. I wasn’t the model church person. But now I’m back in the fold. That gives me confidence. That gives me validation. It’s my story.”

He also finds inspiration in science.

“Louis Pasteur said something like, ‘A little science takes you away from God, but a lot of science brings you back.’ So when people try to give me the science version of reality, I say, ‘Don’t get me started—I’ll out-science you!’”

Frank doesn’t take life too seriously. He often invites colleagues to church with the promise of cake.

“It gets very competitive,” he laughs. “The older ladies in the congregation love to out-cake each other!”

Frank is taking part in the Everyday Faith Podcast event at St Wilfrid's Church, Grappenhall on Wednesday 15 October.