Meet Trisha the Squisha: Bedford’s New Recycling Center Star Gets a Name 

Bedford’s newest recycling center addition has officially been named—and she’s got a big job to do and a name that’s just as big on personality: Trisha the Squisha.

The name, selected through a lighthearted community contest hosted by The Bedford Citizen and the Department of Public Works, was suggested by local resident Shannon Dillon, who brought a creative blend of wit and hometown flair to the competition.

“I thought of what the machine does, gave it a Boston accent, and a name that rhymed,” said Dillon, who’s lived in Bedford for around 13 years. “Although, I voted for Alexander Cramilton because that was hilarious.”

While Alexander Cramilton had its fans, it was “Trisha the Squisha” that stole the show. Trisha, the town’s new cardboard compactor, is stationed at the Bedford Recycling Center, ready to flatten your Amazon boxes and raise awareness about recycling in the most delightful way possible.

When asked how it felt to have her suggestion chosen, Dillon declared, “It’s my greatest achievement! A major award!” With her signature humor and charm, she added, “I’ve been to the recycling center, but I haven’t met Trisha yet.”

Shannon lives in town with what she describes as her “fun-loving, silly family” and works as a photographer at Creative Images Boston. “It’s a job where I also get to be fun-loving and silly,” she shared. That playful spirit was a perfect match for the naming contest, which drew hundreds of clever submissions from across the community.

But beyond the humor, Dillon recognized the deeper value in the naming initiative. “I actually thought that naming it was a great idea! It creates a buzz, gets people’s attention, and makes it fun for the kids—all of which makes more people participate in the town’s recycling efforts.”

As for Trisha’s new career in Bedford, Shannon had a special message for the compactor: “Trisha, I hope you’re hungry. And not on a low-carb diet.”

The Town of Bedford and The Bedford Citizen thank everyone who submitted ideas to the contest. “There were so many funny submissions,” Dillon said. “Thanks for coming up with such a fun idea!”

So next time you head to the recycling center, be sure to say hello to Trisha the Squisha—Bedford’s newest local celebrity—and maybe bring her a little cardboard snack.

More information about the Bedford Recycling Center, including hours and acceptable materials, can be found on the Town website.