Loveheart will be the new name for one of East Cambridgeshire’s Waste and Recycling vehicles after councillors were won over by the five-year-old boy who suggested it.

Alex Hodson, aged 5,  from Sutton has had a love for bin lorries, recycling and the environment since he was just two-years-old.

During this time he has changed his family’s habits for the better, and made his school friends and Scout group much more aware of their eco footprint.

Mum, Georgia, said: “He often picks up litter he sees, and places it in the appropriate bin, and encourages his classmates to do the same.

“He has also inspired some of his Scout group to join him on litter picks in Sutton.

“During Mental Health Awareness week, the children were asked to bring something into school that made them proud. Alex took a photo album which we made for him this Christmas, covering all the eco-friendly activities, and research we have done together. This includes visits to Witchford recycling centre, the Thalia Waste Management centre at Waterbeach, and photos of him playing with his impressive collections of toy bin lorries and mini bins.

“When we told him about the competition, he said the name he would choose for the bin lorry is ‘Loveheart – Because I love bin lorries and recycling so much.’ It would be a dream come true for him to see this become a reality, as parents we are so incredibly proud of his unique interest, and to see the impact he is having on others, and their recycling habits at such a young age.”

Councillors at East Cambridgeshire District Council were so won over by Alex’s commitment to waste and recycling they immediately agreed to name one of the lorries Loveheart. And as an extra special treat took Loveheart to meet Alex.

The Name a Bin Lorry competition attracted hundreds of entries from across East Cambridgeshire and has been featured on Radio Cambridgeshire and BBC Sounds. Residents were asked to send in their preferred names for the council’s new fleet of bin lorries.

The Flying Dustman

Lady Gagarbage

Binderella

Recyclosaurus Rex

Wheelie Cathedral

Lord of the Bins

Optimus Grime

Lamborgreeny

Bin Diesel

The winning names have been added to the front of the cabs for residents to spot as they tour the district collecting waste and recycling.

Cllr Julia Huffer, said: “We have been absolutely astounded by the popularity of this competition. The suggested names we have received have been incredibly inventive and many of them have given us a giggle or two.

“But when we heard about Alex’s love of bin lorries and his suggestion of the name Loveheart we knew he had to be the overall winner.

“I am so pleased Alex got to see Loveheart the lorry and meet the crew.”

The new fleet purchased by East Cambridgeshire District Council, includes new in-cab technology designed to deliver a more efficient and cost-effective waste collection service. They are also able to run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as well as diesel, which is more beneficial for the environment.