First electric bin lorry launched by Bradford waste collection firm
A BRADFORD waste collection firm is making its collections of people’s rubbish greener with the unveiling of its first zero-emission electric bin lorry. Associated Waste Management’s all-electric truck is the first of its kind for an independent operator in the area, and is a step towards compliance for Clean Air Zone targets to tackle poor air quality. When Bradford’s Clean Air Zone comes into force in the Spring, diesel powered bin lorries will be required to pay GBP50 a day to operate in the zone’s area which contains hundreds of homes and business premises.
It’s the first of 30 electric lorries that are being delivered by Beauparc Group – of which AWM is a part – in a EUR13 million investment by 2025 as work continues to upgrade its 1,000 vehicle strong fleet. The Electra eRCV looks just like a normal, diesel powered bin lorry but has zero carbon emissions from its exhaust, and has a range of 120 miles per charge. It’s also 50 decibels quieter than a normal bin lorry – meaning those early morning collections are less likely to wake you from your slumber, and has the same capacity, meaning all-round it is much better for the environment.
The bin lorry is operating in Leeds and is the third of its type launched by Beauparc following two that are on the roads in Dublin. David Tobin, director of sustainability at Beauparc, said: “Beauparc is committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040, if not sooner. “Today’s announcement of the first fully electric waste collection truck is another example of the clear commitment we have to the communities in West Yorkshire and the innovation and investment we have set in motion to reach our climate ambitions.
“This is not just a bin truck, it is a low noise, no emissions element of our zero-carbon strategy. Eliminating our direct carbon emissions, while maintaining customer service, is of paramount importance to us all at Beauparc.” The first collection by the new lorry took place at the University of Leeds, which AWM has worked with since 2017.
Steve Gilley, director of estates and facilities at the University of Leeds, added: “Moving towards Net Zero carbon emissions is central to the University of Leeds’ recently-published Climate Plan, and we are making very significant investments to realise this by 2030. “Among many different commitments, the Facilities Team has invested in electric vehicles to replace other forms of transport in use around the campus for essential maintenance, and we are very pleased that AWM are making similar adjustments.” Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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