READING Borough Council is celebrating the launch of its new, green waste collection vehicles.
With five electric refuse collection vehicles being introduced to the council’s fleet of lorries, residents are being invited to submit their most creative – and clean – ideas for what they will be called.
Waste collection lorries have their names printed on them, with many of the names chosen by children from schools in the area.
Reading’s first electric lorry was introduced in 2021–the first in Berkshire–and has now added four more to its waste collection services.
The council estimates that the switch from diesel vehicles to electric ones will save 32,200kg of greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming
It follows the naming of new recycling bin lorries which were introduced last July, one of which drew the attention of comedian Ricky Gervais, after whom one of the winning entries was named.
It prompted Mr Gervais to tweet: “Is there any greater honour than your hometown naming a garbage truck after you?” alongside a picture of the lorry, named Ricky Gerwaste.
It also comes as Reading Climate Festival begins across the town, filled with exhibitions, debates, and installations exploring the climate crisis and sustainability.
From Monday, June 5, residents can submit names for two of the electric vehicles, with the other three open to competition from schools in the borough.
The winning names will be printed on the vehicles.
Cllr Karen Rowland, lead member for environmental services and community safety, said:“Reading boasts the 4th largest cut in its carbon footprint of all 374 local authority areas in the UK
“I’m delighted that we continue to lead the way in making crucial changes to continue responding to the climate emergency.
She explained: “Our residents are really contributing to the cause by recycling more and engaging with food waste recycling, and now we want their help to name our expanding fleet of electric refuse vehicles that are doing such a good job of reducing vehicle emissions on Reading’s roads”.
The competition to name Reading Borough Council’s new electric bin lorries runs from Monday, June 5, to Monday, June 26.
Only Reading residents or students at Reading-based schools are eligible to enter.
Entries can be submitted via: self.reading.gov.uk
