News Have you seen the “big green recycling machine”?
A “roarsome” Iguanodon and the “Bin Boss” can now be spotted around Maidstone, adorning the newest recycling truck named the “Big Green Recycling Machine.”
The eye-catching design was inspired by the two winners of an art competition run in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council and SUEZ. Adults and children from across the area were invited to submit their artwork to encourage people to recycle.
After sorting through hundreds of entries the judges whittled it down to two designs which were submitted by Becky Planck, a primary school art teacher and resident artist, and Zak, a pupil at St Simon Stock Catholic School. Their creations have inspired the final truck artwork with the project completed by Creative Vehicle Wrapping.
As part of the truck unveiling, the “Big Green Recycling Machine” was taken to St Simon Stock Catholic School to show Zak the finished design. It also visited to Loose Valley Primary School and Coxheath Primary School, where Becky teaches, giving pupils across year groups the opportunity to see the vehicle and learn more about recycling and waste reduction.
Winner Becky Planck, who created the dinosaur design said: “I love designing, I love coming up with ideas and I knew I wanted to have the Maidstone Iguanodon Iggy in there somewhere and to show the variety of things that could be recycled.
“It’s a bright and colourful design; it will standout going around Maidstone and I hope it will inspire children as it’s important to get them excited about recycling.”
Zak, a pupil at St Simon Stock Catholic School, who created the “Bin Boss” character said: “I really just used my imagination for it. I wanted it to be nice and colourful, and that's what it is. Feels really good to have won. It looks amazing. I feel really proud of myself.”
Cllr Clive English, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement, said: "The creative drawings and the slogan get an important message across with force and simplicity. Recycling isn't complicated or difficult. It's something anyone can do and something everyone should do.”
Atlanta Giddings, Partnership and Community Engagement Coordinator at SUEZ said: “It was fantastic to be involved in this initiative which helps highlight the importance of recycling in a fun way.’
The Big Green Recycling Machine will now join Binosaurous Rex (pictured)
The “Big Green Recycling Machine” now joins the council’s growing fleet of eye‑catching vehicles, and will accompany “Binosaurus Rex” Kent’s first fully electric refuse truck, with its bold Iggy-inspired graphics. Together, these striking designs transform everyday collection vehicles into moving billboards, helping to raise awareness of recycling and sustainability while capturing the imagination of residents of all ages.
New recycling laws
From 1 April 2026, new national “Simpler Recycling” laws came into force across England, requiring all councils to collect a consistent set of materials from every household, including separate food waste, paper and card, and dry recyclables such as glass, metals, plastics and cartons.
These changes are designed to make recycling simpler and more consistent for residents. Maidstone Borough Council was prepared, with a system that meets these requirements and keeps things straightforward for households. The main change locally is that Tetrapaks and cartons can now be placed in the recycling bin, making it even easier for residents to recycle more.
The council continues to encourage simple habits that make a big difference, such as keeping recycling clean, dry and loose, avoiding plastic bags, and using the weekly food waste caddy, helping residents play their part in reducing waste and protecting the environment.
See it, snap it!
Have you seen The “Big Green Recycling Machine” or “Binosaurus Rex” on the rounds? If you take a pic and tag Maidstone Borough Council on Instagram or Facebook and your photo will be shared.
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