A teenage boy who has a passion for recycling had his wish come true with a behind the scenes tour of one the council’s refuse trucks.

Taylor Croker, 17, who attends Harlow Fields School, always welcomes the bin men collecting waste near his home in North Weald.

Thanks to a family friend making a special request to Epping Forest District Council, it was arranged for Taylor to meet some of the staff from Biffa.

Shaun Strange, chargehand for Biffa showed Taylor around the truck, talking him through all the vehicle’s switches, buttons and lights and how to attach and empty a wheelie bin.

Mr Strange said: “Without fail Taylor comes to say hello, smiling and waving, when we’re collecting.

“It was great to get him to actually have a go at emptying a bin and see the smile on his face.”

“My favourite bit was watching the rubbish go in” Taylor said: “Today has been a really special day.”

The youngster received two goody bags containing Epping Forest District Council stationery made from recycled plastic and old tyres, a Biffa mug and a mini refuse truck.

Councillor Nigel Avey, Portfolio Holder for contract and technical services said: “We are thrilled to be able to do something like this for a resident. I’m so pleased we could make this wish come true for Taylor.”

Lesley Andrews, Taylor’s mum said: “This means the world to us. Taylor enjoys recycling and has a huge interest in the refuse trucks. I love seeing how happy this has made him.

“I can’t thank Epping Forest District Council and Biffa enough for taking the time to do this for us.”