Names revealed for new waste and street cleansing vehicles

Residents across Wokingham Borough have chosen the winning names for the council’s new fleet of waste collection lorries and street cleansing vehicles.

After more than 1,100 suggestions and more than 2,200 votes on the final shortlist the names for the new vehicles can now be revealed. Each of the winning names will be displayed onto the vehicles when they go into use in June, as part of the council’s new waste collection and street cleansing contract with Biffa.

Winning names for bin lorries are:

• Binderella, suggested by 22 residents, with Year 3 class at Gorse Ride School as winner

• Binnie the Pooh, suggested by eight residents, with Amelia and Annabelle at Hillside Primary School as winners

• Trash Gordon, suggested by 11 residents, with Jack at Loddon Primary School as winner

• Obi Wan Binobi, suggested by two residents

• Recyclosaurus Rex, suggested by two residents

• Bindiana Jones, suggested by eight residents

Winning names for street sweepers are:

• Sweeping Beauty, suggested by 11 residents

• Shaun the Sweep, suggested by five residents

The public vote followed a strong response to the competition, which attracted creative suggestions from residents of all ages. The naming process began in January with open suggestions, before a shortlist of favourites from councillors, council and Biffa staff was put forward for the public to choose their favourites.

Cllr Katrin Harding, executive member for environment and climate emergency, said: “This competition has been a wonderful way for our community to get involved and I loved seeing the hundreds and hundreds of creative suggestions.

“The submissions were full of character and humour. The winning ideas show exactly why this borough is known for its creativity. We look forward to seeing the named vehicles on the road when the new fleet begins work in June.”

Prizes are being awarded to the winning entrants. Where the winning name was suggested by more than one person, the ‘winners’ names were chosen out of a hat from every child who suggested it.

Schools with pupils who submitted winning suggestions will also receive a special visit from the named vehicle later in the year. The new vehicles also include modern in-cab technology designed to make collections more efficient and cost effective, as well as helping crews to work safely while improving the services for residents.

Cllr Harding added: “As well as being a fun activity, this competition marks the introduction of a much-improved service. The upgraded fleet and new contract will help us deliver cleaner streets, a more efficient waste service and an improved experience for residents.”

The council is thanking all residents, schools and community groups who sent in their ideas or took part in the vote. The fleet will support the council’s climate goals by incorporating more fuel-efficient models, technology to support smoother driving and some smaller electric vehicles as part of the new contract awarded last year. 

It’s valued at about £7 million per year and runs for an initial eight-year term, following a rigorous procurement process to ensure a high-quality, value for money service for residents. The vehicles will have reduced carbon emissions while maintaining good standards in street sweeping, litter collection, fly-tipping response and graffiti removal.

The new contract will result in some collection days changing and new arrangements for some residents. Impacted households will be contacted directly.