An eye-catching new addition is turning heads and cleaning up streets.
Wes the Wasteater, a giant road sweeper operated by Biffa, is now in service across the Arun district and is drawing attention from many younger residents.
The colourful vehicle is part of Biffa’s new Wasteater character series, aimed at starting conversations about waste reduction and recycling in schools, homes and workplaces.
Kevin Searle, a Biffa driver, said: "One of the best parts of my day is when children wave as Wes goes past.
"You can’t miss the design, so they spot us straight away. It always gives me a lift.
"I’m really proud of the role we play keeping Arun’s streets clean. It’s hard work, but when you see the difference it makes, and when people smile or wave, it makes every mile worthwhile."
Wes is the largest sweeper in Biffa’s fleet, travelling up to 100 miles a day and collecting more than five tonnes of debris before needing to be emptied.
Operating seven days a week, it cleans main roads from Pagham to Findon, including Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Arundel.
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Wes is also helping keep parts of the South Downs National Park tidy.
Of the waste collected, up to 98 per cent is recycled.
Sand and gravel can be used for construction projects, while leaves and twigs can be turned into compost.
Steve Usher, senior business manager at Biffa, said: "We’re really pleased to bring the Wes into service in partnership with Arun District Council.
"It’s a hardworking, high-capacity sweeper that allows us to cover a large and varied district, keeping roads clean and safe for residents, visitors and tourists every day of the week.
"Wes has already captured the attention of many younger residents. Our driver says children often wave as he drives past, showing that the new vehicle is quickly becoming a recognisable and familiar presence."
Another Wasteater character, Whitney the Wasteater, features in a new children’s book about recycling.
Whitney The Wasteater and the Wrong Bite is one of the world’s first books printed on paper made from recycled coffee cups, with all profits supporting global charity WasteAid.
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