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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Tamara Davison

No rubbish can escape the Grim Sweeper: Devon bin trucks named after competition

While a new fleet of bin trucks is hardly the most exciting news, residents in Torridge, North Devon, proved that there’s fun to be found in any situation.

Torridge council recently allowed its residents to name four new bin trucks that would be joining the waste and recycling fleet. And, in a testament to good old British humour, Torridge’s entrants certainly didn’t disappoint.

From hundreds of entries and through vigorous selection processes, the council’s Waste and Recycling supervisors and crew decided on four new names that would be emblazoned on the front of the trucks.

(Torridge District Council)

The best bin names of the bunch

The new fleet of trucks sweeping the streets of Torridge are called:

  • Optimus Grime
  • Bindiana Jones
  • Bagatha Christie
  • The Grim Sweeper

According to the council website, the winning names were selected both for their sheer creativity as well as their connection to the local area. Agatha Christie, for example, was born in Devon and set some of her mystery novels there.

(Torridge District Council)

The new trucks are identified by their names, printed on the front of each vehicle in a recognisable font. What’s more, the trucks are already in operation, meaning that residents in the local area should be able to spot the trucks doing their rounds.

The initiatives formed part of the council’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness for recycling and waste initiatives in the area.

Speaking about the pun-inspired winning selections, Chris Leather, Torridge councillor and lead member for Waste and Recycling, congratulated the Torridge naming champions.

(Torridge District Council)

“The Waste and Recycling Team’s task of selecting the four winners was daunting, given the sheer quality and quantity of name submissions,” he said.

He continued: “I am pleased to note that the campaign also raised awareness spotlighting the importance of recycling and reducing waste with big calendar events such as Halloween and Christmas just around the corner.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the crews for their dedication and commitment to delivering an exceptional service to the residents of Torridge — their hard work and efforts are greatly appreciated!”

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