The children of Sandwell have been invited to name our new rubbish lorries

From July 16th to July 31st, young residents are invited to submit their most creative and imaginative names for the 12 new garbage trucks, which have been busy collecting recycling across the borough, keeping our communities clean.

The vehicles, which have been supplied by West Midlands-based Dennis Eagle, represent significant investment in the waste collection service and are cleaner and greener, supporting the council’s wider environmental ambitions around air quality and carbon emissions .

The competition is open to children aged between 4 and 12 and entries can be made via the Sandwell Council website. Entrants are encouraged to be as creative as possible, drawing inspiration from our local culture, history, environment or anything that reflects the spirit of the Sandwell community.

Councilor Keith Allcock, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environment, said: “We believe that community involvement in the naming of our refuse trucks will foster a greater sense of ownership and pride in our local services.”

“Giving kids the chance to name our fleet of garbage trucks is a fun way to engage with younger members of our community and start a conversation about recycling, waste and the environment.”

Serco, Sandwell Council’s waste partner, is equally enthusiastic about the initiative.

Tony Marston, Senior Contract Manager at Serco, said: “We’re delighted to be running this competition and intrigued to see the creative ideas the community comes up with. These names will give our garbage trucks a unique identity and highlight the community’s role in maintaining a sustainable environment.”

The winning names will be announced on Sandwell Council’s social media channels, e-newsletters and website during August, with the selected names proudly displayed on the new vehicles. The winners will receive a special prize and an invitation to a VIP visit to the Serco depot later this summer, as well as the children who will be the stars of a future recycling campaign.

How to participate:

1. Visit the Sandwell Council website to submit your entry.
2. Share your ideas on Sandwell and Serco’s social media using the hashtag #NameThatBinLorry
3. Tell your friends and family about the competition and encourage them to enter too! Then color our downloadable poster to stick on your blue lidded bin so our litter crews know you attended.

For more information about the competition, full terms and conditions and to submit entries