They’re big, bold and colourful with a message based entirely on rubbish. 

They’re called Waste Heroes and they’re now the face of the trucks that collect and transport waste across the Maitland LGA.  

In fact, they oversee the emptying of 7,000 waste bins per day into the Maitland Resource Recovery Facility (MRRF). 

The Waste Heroes are the nine characters chosen from more than 100 to feature on the council’s collection trucks spreading the message of responsible waste practices. 

Maitland City Council manager environment and sustainability Catherine Pepper said the characters were a symbolic reminder of the organisation’s commitment to working with community to reduce, reuse and recycle everyday household waste. 

“Our Waste Heroes are now tasked with inspiring residents – young and old – to be the change they want to see when it comes to everyday waste avoidance, reusing and recycling,” she said. 

Each character comes with inspiring ideas on how we can follow their lead, change our habits and work to reduce waste.  

“From woodland elves and sausage dogs to robots and cardboard box monsters, the characters are an eclectic bunch that bring a dash of fun and personality to our trucks,”Ms Pepper said.  

“It’s been really great to see them spring from the page and into life.” 

Raworth resident Rebecca Dawson – whose seven-year-old son Blake submitted a winning entry – said the initiative held sentimental meaning for their family.  

“Our dog Rocko passed away the day the competition opened,” she added.  

“He was a good dog that was taken too soon, but here he is on the truck.

“Rocko was a bit of a rubbish guts and would go through our trash, so this is a great way to memorialise him.” 

Aberglasslyn resident Elise Banister’s three children – James (9) and twin girls Lilly and Charlotte (7) – conceived of their character, recycling robot Beep Beep, one rainy afternoon.  

“They’ve learned a lot about Council as a result and it’s a great example of getting kids engaged with recycling,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the Banister kids said it felt “awesome” and “amazing” to see their design emblazoned on the side of one of council’s waste trucks.  

FAST FACTS:

• A community environmental attitudes survey undertaken in mid-2022 identified improved waste management and recycling as a top environmental priority for Maitland residents.
• Nearly 26,000 tonnes of waste were collected from Maitland homes in 2021/22.
• An audit of kerbside bins conducted in 2020 indicated that 23% of waste in the general waste bin was recyclable material, placed incorrectly in the red bin.
• Maitland City Council’s new Waste Services Management Plan identifies a range of improvements in our waste service between now and 2026, aimed at reducing waste to landfill. 

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