When we introduced a new waste service for the Northern Beaches back in 2019 we were excited to have a blank canvas on 40 brand new garbage collection trucks – what a great opportunity to spread the message about the need to reduce our waste!

Given such a huge opportunity, we debated how to best use it.  Should we focus on how to reduce waste, or increase recycling? Or on the damaging impacts of plastics and microplastics? And whatever we choose, how will we get across a clear message so it can be easily read on the side of a truck driving past?

After much debate, it was decided our focus would be on the big four single-use plastics – coffee cups, plastic straws, plastic bags and water bottles. Collectively these items account for a huge amount of landfill and can easily be replaced with other sustainable options.

The ‘what a load of rubbish’ tag line really wrote itself! But the representation of the single use plastics was more tricky. In the end, we created falling cups, piles of straws, blowing plastic bags and flying water bottles using fishing wire and white drop sheets in a make-shift photo studio in a Council meeting room.

And of course they all stand out as we chose to have the trucks painted using the rainbow of colours which are part of the Council brand. It’s not every day you get to paint a garbage truck bright pink, purple, lime green and yellow!

Better still, our new waste service and education messaging are making a difference, with more and more waste being recycled or diverted from landfill. 

This week the garbage truck designs were honoured in the prestigious Communicator Awards for Excellence in Graphic Design. These awards attract entries from all over the world so we are thrilled to have the trucks recognised on the international stage.

But just as important to us as being recognised internationally, is the feedback we receive from locals, such as this one:

I just wanted to say that my little kids just LOVE the new garbage trucks. As if garbage day wasn’t exciting enough, it has taken it to a whole new level of joy for my 2 & 4 year old to see what colours we can see.

Council also received Awards of Excellence and Distinction for a number of other projects including:

Connect Through Creativity 2029
Excellence: General Government for Brochure

Towards 2040
Excellence: Design Features - Overall Design for Corporate Communications
Distinction: Annual Report - General Government for Corporate Communication

What a load of rubbish
Distinction: Collateral - Causes & Awareness for Marketing/Promotion

Business Unites social video campaign
Excellence: Social video – video series

Amenities Upgrades – Nolan Reserve, Balgowlah Oval and Lionel Watts
Excellence: Social video – video series

COVID-19 Local Response
Distinction: content & marketing-Crisis Communications

Be the best version of you- avoid, reuse and recycle
Distinction: Social video – Educational & Instructional