3 days ago
Denbighshire Council's electric bin lorries are a success
Denbighshire County Council has saved more than 400,000kg of carbon emissions through its growing fleet of electric vehicles, which now make up 15 per cent of its waste collection vehicles.
The council began upgrading its waste fleet in 2022 to reduce its carbon footprint and support its wider environmental goals.
Cllr Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: "We have looked hard at our overall fleet to see where we can reduce emissions through electric vehicles by introducing them to replace end-of-life stock and through funding support.
"Waste is an important service, and these EV lorries are integral to helping reduce carbon emissions their fleet produces on a daily basis."
In early 2023, the council introduced two Dennis Eagle e-Collect refuse collection lorries on northern routes.
Each vehicle can cover up to 100 miles and complete 1,000 bin lifts on a single charge.
In the last 18 months, the fleet has also added five Electra e-Cargo recycling lorries, which offer a range of up to 155 miles.
These vehicles have contributed to total carbon savings of 409,493kg—equivalent to the emissions of a fully loaded 747 jumbo jet or approximately 67 adult male African elephants.
The electric lorries also offer long-term savings through lower running costs and reduced maintenance, as they have fewer moving parts compared to diesel models.
Cllr Mellor said: "Our fleet department is constantly monitoring suitable ways for service delivery to reduce our vehicle carbon footprint and the use of these EVs is a prime example of this which will also help reduce long-term costs compared to running fossil fuel vehicles."
Some of the electric vehicles can be spotted on the roads, including one named Christal Clean.
