Litterpicking youngster Hayden Everett overjoys Dereham

A boy from Dereham won the hearts of his town with his love of garbage picking.

For the past two weeks, 11-year-old Hayden Everett was out in the town of Mid-Norfolk, picking up rubbish everywhere.

Hayden’s mother, Gemma, said her son’s passion for trash picking could be traced back to learning about his uncle’s job as a trash picker at Serco.

Hayden Everett of Dereham used to collect trash in his spare time. Byline: Sonya Duncan
– Credit: Sonya Duncan

“Hayds has always been interested in this,” said Mrs. Everett.

“He likes to keep things tidy and he likes to tidy things up – he likes the thought that everyone is helping.”

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After Hayden found out about a local garbage collection group but was unable to attend the first session, Hayden asked his mother if he could go to the garbage collection himself.

Hayden Everett of Dereham used to collect trash in his spare time.  Byline: Sonya Duncan

Hayden Everett of Dereham used to collect trash in his spare time. Byline: Sonya Duncan
– Credit: Sonya Duncan

Mrs. Everett told him to avoid certain types of rubbish, like needles, stick on the sidewalks, and not go too far.

“He came back with half a bag full and was absolutely thrilled. He said, “Look how much I have!”

A picture of young Hayden hard at work was posted to the Dereham Community Noticeboard’s Facebook group last week, to the delight of over 450 people who “liked” it.

Hayden Everett of Dereham used to collect trash in his spare time.  Pictured with Mama Gemma.  Byli

Hayden Everett of Dereham used to collect trash in his spare time. Pictured with Mama Gemma. Byline: Sonya Duncan
– Credit: Sonya Duncan

“Our friends sent me an inbox and said, ‘Is that Hayds?'” Said Mrs. Everett.

“I’ve read all of the comments and it was really overwhelming.”

Mrs. Everett said her son was a little confused about why his litter collection got so much praise.

“He said, ‘Why do you want to take pictures of me?’ and I said, ‘Because what you’re doing is a great job.’ “

Hayden Everett of Dereham used to collect trash in his spare time.  Byline: Sonya Duncan

Hayden Everett of Dereham used to collect trash in his spare time. Byline: Sonya Duncan
– Credit: Sonya Duncan

Not only does Hayden have his own bin, he also has an attachable ring to hold his trash bag so he doesn’t have to touch any trash.

“It’s fully stocked,” said Mrs. Everett.

She added, “He used to say to his uncle, ‘Can I come on summer vacation and do it with you?’ and he says, ‘No, Hayden, because it’s my job, darling, can’t you come around town with me.’

“When this all happened, he said, ‘Oh my god – I can do it, I can go and do it …’ He loves it.”