Posted on: Friday 1 July 2022
The winners of our competition to name Torfaen's new fully-electric waste vehicles got to see the trucks for the first time today.
Ruby, 7, from Ponthir Church in Wales, whose name Bert (Best Electric Recycling Truck) was chosen alongside Oliver, from Henllys Church in Wales, who came up with Trevor (Torfaen Refuse Electric Vehicle On Route), got the chance to see the new vehicles in action and sit in the cab with their classmates.
They also had a lesson in recycling in a specially- converted Dennis truck classroom, and met Torfaen Council's recycling mascot Dan the Can at the event at Cwmbran Stadium.
Ruby and Oliver were also given Lego models of the new trucks as part of the prize, organised by the council's waste and recycling team.
Ruby, said: "I am very excited to see my name on the truck."
Teaching assistant Kate Horsfall added: "It's very exciting - it will be nice to see Bert out doing the rounds.
Oliver, 11, said: "I was very surprised to win the competition. I am looking forward to seeing Trevor on the streets."
Deputy headteacher Rhiannon Llewellyn said: "It was an absolute privilege to take part in the competition and all the children engaged in it, which was fantastic. Oliver came up with two names both of which were amazing, but the children voted and they voted for Trevor was the most popular.
"It's lovely to have something they were all engaged in and will actually see in their community."
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: "It's been fantastic to see the children excited about the new vehicles and learning about the importance of reducing our waste by recycling more.
"I was really impressed with how much they already knew about what we recycle in Wales and I am confident they will all be great ambassadors as we work towards becoming net carbon zero in the future."
The new trucks, which will collect purple lidded bins, are expected to be on the roads within the next few weeks.
Investing in electric waste vehicles is just one of the many ways the council is aiming to become net carbon zero by 2030, and for the borough to be net carbon zero by 2050.
Torfaen Council is also investing in a new fleet of 19 recycling vehicles to help increase recycling rates. Look out for details of how you can help name the new trucks this summer.
Find out more about recycling and waste in Torfaen. You can also tell us what changes you have made - or would like to make - to reduce waste and increase recycling in our Net Zero Torfaen consultation.
Find out more about how the Council is responding to our climate change and nature emergency declaration.