Ten new food waste collection trucks are now operating across Tamworth and Lichfield District, each featuring one of The Scraps Gang – a team of five friendly monster characters named by local children.
The colourful vehicle designs are part of Lichfield District and Tamworth Borough councils' campaign to encourage residents to recycle food waste. The trucks will remind people that leftovers, peelings, tea bags and plate scrapings can be turned into renewable energy and fertiliser instead of being thrown away.
Local children name the characters
Earlier this year, local children were invited to submit names for the five monsters. The winning names – Chompy, Albert, Lennie, Ruby and Greg – were chosen from dozens of imaginative entries.
The five winners were Harvey, aged eight; Pippa, aged seven; Darcy, aged five; Penny, aged eight; and Izzy, aged eight.
Pippa's mother, Beth, said: "Pippa couldn't believe it when she found out she'd won. It's been so exciting for both of us to see her monster on one of the trucks, and Pippa is going to be on the lookout for it every week now! It's been a lovely experience and has felt like a great way for children to be involved in something the whole community will see."
Recognition for winners
As a thank you, the winners received commemorative mugs featuring their monster, along with a selection of prizes. They also saw their creations displayed on the collection vehicles that will travel thousands of miles across both districts every week.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks and Waste, said: "One of the best ways to inspire positive habits is to make recycling fun and engaging, especially for younger residents and families. The Scraps Gang does exactly that. These colourful characters will be seen across our district every week, helping to remind people that food waste doesn't belong in the black bin. It's fantastic that local children have played such an important part in bringing them to life."
Councillor David Foster, Tamworth Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Environmental Sustainability, added: "The creativity shown by all of the children who entered was brilliant. Their ideas have helped create a campaign that is fun, memorable and encourages conversations about food waste at home."