A four-year old Atherton ‘bin boy’ lived out a dream when he met his own superheroes – Wigan Council refuse collectors.
Little William is ‘obsessed’ with waste disposal and idolises the bin men who collect his family’s rubbish after he has lent them a hand by sorted the recycling out.
As a special surprise treat for his birthday the youngster toured the Ince waste depot and a ride in one of their bin lorries.
William, his dad Peter and granddad Jack were shown around the site by the crew who collect their bins each week.
William’s auntie Chris Lewis, who got in touch with the council to organise the trip, revealed it was an offer they could not refuse.
She said: “He had an absolutely wonderful time. The crew were so kind to him.
“They even gave him a high-visibility jacket and a pair of gloves. He slept in the jacket for the first three nights after his trip and only took the gloves off when he had a bath.
RUBBISH DAY OUT? William loved his unusual birthday trip
“It sounds funny but he is obsessed with bins and the bin crews. It started about two years ago – bin day is the highlight of the week.
“William knows exactly what day and what time the crew come. He makes us all stand outside and wave to them.
“We’ve been doing it so long now the lads recognise William and wave back.”
William, who starts at Chowbent Primary School in Atherton this September, was given a guided tour of the council’s recently-opened depot in Ince.
The infant lived out a dream to ride in the bin lorry and see where the waste the crews collect ends up.
Chris said: “I just knew he would love to see the depot so thought it would be a lovely treat for his birthday.
“I emailed the council and was delighted when they invited William for a tour. Everyone was so nice to him – I can’t thank the council enough.
“He’s been telling everyone he’s been to see his friends at the depot.
“William really is obsessed with bins. He knows exactly which different bin all the rubbish should go in. The first thing he asks when he comes to my house is can he put my rubbish out.”
The multi-million pound depot is not usually open to members of the public but council staff made an exception for William.
BIN THERE, DONE THAT! William was a bin boy for the day (Picture courtesy of Harry Pope, with thanks)
Terry Dunn, director of environment at Wigan Council, said: “William is a lovely little lad and our refuse team were delighted they could make his birthday special.
“It’s great that he is so keen on recycling and putting rubbish in the right bin. He’s an example to us all.
“William hasn’t even started school yet but in 15 years or so, if he wants a job in our refuse teams, as long as I’m still here, I’d certainly employ him.”
The team who showed William round said it was a special day for them too.
Refuse collection loader Adam Flores said: “We have seen William when we’ve been out on our collection round and he always waves so it was nice to see him in the depot and how happy he was with the visit.”
His colleague Andy Fishburn said: “It’s always nice to know you’ve made a difference and the smile on William’s face during the visit proved this.”
HGV driver Danny McDermott said: “It was nice to meet William and show him around my wagon. I also managed to take him for a ride in the depot which put a big smile on his face.”
