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Six-year-old's love for garbage trucks earns him 'work' on bin rounds

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Six-year-old Thomas Aldworth has become an official helper for the City of Perth's waste management team, earning his own uniform and a special role.
  • Thomas's fascination with garbage trucks began at age four, leading him to help push bins back to the curb after they are emptied.
  • His dedication has gained him local recognition and a significant following on TikTok, where videos of him working have garnered millions of views.

Six-year-old Thomas Aldworth has found his calling as an official helper for the City of Perth's waste management team, complete with his own uniform and a dedicated role. His passion for garbage trucks ignited at age four, evolving from simply watching them to actively participating in the collection process.

He was all into trucks. He was into wheels.

— Adele AldworthThomas's mother describes the origins of his fascination with vehicles.

Thomas's fascination started with a love for trucks and wheels. Hearing the garbage truck would send him racing outside. One day, a garbage truck worker handed him a bin to push back to the curb. This small act sparked a consistent routine, with Thomas eagerly awaiting opportunities to help. The City of Perth eventually granted permission for him to assist, recognizing his genuine enthusiasm.

They got permission from the City of Perth that this kid really wants to push a bin.

— Adele AldworthExplaining how Thomas officially became a helper.

For safety, Thomas is not allowed on the road or at the back of the truck. His role involves pushing bins back to the kerb after they have been emptied, always accompanied by a parent. His parents have equipped him with a hi-vis yellow shirt, gloves, and safety glasses, and a donated uniform with the City of Perth logo allows him to feel like a true member of the team. He even emulates the workers by wearing black shoes and socks and carrying a pen in his pocket.

They always stop and tell him, 'You're doing a great job', but he doesn't engage with them, because his focus is work.

— Adele AldworthDescribing Thomas's intense focus during his bin rounds.

Neighbors have noticed Thomas's diligent work, often commending him for his efforts. However, Thomas remains intensely focused on his task, rarely engaging in conversation during his rounds. His mother, Adele Aldworth, captures his work on video, which has unexpectedly become a global sensation on TikTok. Millions of viewers are captivated by the sight of the young boy diligently working outdoors, a refreshing contrast to screen-based activities.

At first, [viewers] used to see the bins move, but they couldn't see who was moving because he was so short.

— Adele AldworthRecalling early reactions to his TikTok videos.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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