Toddler takes the wheel in bin lorry

The Trafford two-year-old waves to the Charlie Two collection crew every time they arrive to collect the recycling from his Sale home.

So, as a surprise, the team invited him to the One Trafford depot to take him for a ride-along in a bin lorry and meet the teams.

Max took the opportunity to sit in the driving seat of his favourite bin lorry, which he has nicknamed “Charlie” after his favourite crew.

The depot was also visited by five-year-old Louis Arstall and little sister Olivia, aged two.

Whilst Louis and Olivia got a live, up close demonstration of how a wheelie bin is loaded and emptied. The depot is home to over 20 bin lorries and other specialist vehicles like small and large street sweepers, caged trucks, large mowers, loading shovels and more. All of which are deployed across Trafford daily.

Louis and Olivia’s parents said the sisters have been fascinated by the mechanics of the bin lorries and begged their parents to see one up close.

Cllr Stephen Adshead, executive councillor for environment, said: “Our operatives are meeting the same households, families and community members every week and to some people, seeing a familiar face first thing in the morning is a nice way to start the day.

“The enthusiasm that our young fans have shown, not only for the collection crews, but for recycling their household waste is very encouraging.

“From such a young age, they are already prioritising recycling.”

A spokesman for the Charlie Two crew said: “Everyone knows that this is not the most glamorous or easy job, but we all enjoy it because our efforts are appreciated by so many people.

“Some residents even come out of their homes very early in the morning just to say hello, which absolutely brightens our day. We even have one lovely lady who makes us a cup of tea once a week.”

“One of our favourite parts of the job is seeing children point and wave at us when we drive past, which makes us feel like celebrities.”