News A “Roarsome” step towards net zero – “Binosaurus Rex” ready to stomp the streets of Maidstone

Maidstone Borough Council breaks new ground by becoming first in county to add a fully electric refuse truck to its fleet

An electric bin lorry with bright dinosaur graphics is now doing the rounds in Maidstone.

“Binosaurus Rex” is Kent’s first fully electric refuse truck, marking a major step forward in tackling the climate emergency and reducing carbon emissions.

This innovative addition to the fleet demonstrates Maidstone Borough Council’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener borough and achieving its ambitious net zero targets.

The eye-catching design celebrates Maidstone’s unique heritage, featuring vibrant graphics inspired by the Iguanodon fossil discovered in a local quarry near Queens Road in 1834. The slogan, “From fossils to the future, Maidstone is ROARING towards net zero,” reflects the council’s determination to move away from fossil fuels and embrace sustainable solutions.

It will be used to empty street litter bins and collect waste from larger bins located in public areas such as Mote Park and laybys along the A249. The vehicle was purchased from Dennis Eagle UK and the wrap was designed and installed by Creative Vehicle Wrapping.

Councillor Clive English, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement, said: “We are making great strides in Maidstone to create a better world for future generations, and we are proud to be leading the way with an electric refuse vehicle in Kent.

“This development reflects the other improvements we’ve made to boost recycling across the borough. Since March, our food waste tonnage has increased from 260 to 400 tonnes per month, residual waste is down by 10%, and our overall recycling rate has risen to 47%.

“We know we can’t do it alone. Our residents are already making a huge difference by recycling properly and reducing waste, and we’re here to support those who are unsure about how to recycle as we move towards a more sustainable future.”

Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, Councillor Stuart Jeffery, added: “We are proud to be breaking new ground in Maidstone with this electric vehicle which is in addition to other smaller electric vans in our fleet.

“I hope that residents will be inspired by the eye-catching artwork, and it encourages them to enter our current art competition to design a graphic for one of our other refuse trucks.”

While this marks the arrival of the first large electric refuse truck in Kent, councils across the county are already taking steps towards sustainable waste collection, from smaller electric cage-style tipper trucks to refuse vehicles powered by vegetable oil.

Alongside investing in greener vehicles, MBC is encouraging residents to recycle more and reduce food waste. The council is currently running a Food Waste Promotion, offering a 23-litre food bin, 5-litre kitchen caddy and a roll of compostable food bags for just £10. Every order will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 voucher.

Residents in Maidstone are playing their role in recycling responsibly with Over 5,000 food caddies issued and over 3,500 rolls of food waste bags delivered as thank-you gifts

Since March the waste team have seen food waste tonnage increase by over 50%, from 260 to 400 tonnes per month and the recycling rate increase to 47%.

Design a refuse truck competition

In partnership with SUEZ, Maidstone Borough Council is launching an exciting art competition inviting residents to design bold, imaginative vehicle livery that promotes recycling and environmental protection.

The winning design will be featured on a real waste collection vehicle, with the artist’s name included and a prize of £200 in wellbeing or environmental vouchers. Entries are open until 30 November, people can find out more by visiting the website.

Have your say on recycling and waste

Maidstone Council is encouraging residents to share their views on food waste and recycling, they can give their opinion by visiting this link: https://letstalkmaidstone.uk.engagementhq.com/food-waste-recycling-survey-maidstone

Sign up for the newsletter

People can sign up to updates from MBC’s Environmental Services newsletter here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKMBC/bulletins/3edabf0

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