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Waste management firm trials electric fleet to slash carbon emissions
Bristol Waste has embarked on a major project to cut its carbon emissions by trialling electric refuse trucks and street sweepers across the city.
The six-month trial includes a repurposed electric refuse collection vehicle (RCV), used to collect general waste from black wheelie bins, alongside three electric mechanical street sweepers operating in central Bristol, from Cumberland Basin to Whiteladies Road and Old Market.
The electric truck, featuring an “I’m electric” livery wrap produced and installed by Bristol-based Foremost Signs, is expected to produce just six tonnes of carbon during the trial period, compared with 22 tonnes from a diesel equivalent.
According to Bristol Waste, the projected saving of 16 tonnes of carbon is equivalent to charging around 1.25 million smartphones.
The EV trail is expected to slash carbon emissions by 16 tonnes for the period
Richard Williams, managing director of Bristol Waste, said the trial would help shape future services.
“We are testing the feasibility of electric vehicles across different roles in our vehicle fleet,” he said.
“These trial electric vehicles are an important step towards a more sustainable fleet and supporting the city to decarbonise.”
Bristol currently sits on the top of the table as the number one English core city for recycling, for eight years running.
The trial will inform a broader fleet renewal decision later this year by Bristol City Council, which owns Bristol Waste.
Martin Fodor, chair of the environment and sustainability committee, said residents expected action on environmental impact.
“By finding ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels for our crucial services, the council is helping to deliver on this,” he said.
The electric refuse vehicle is supplied by Refuse Vehicle Solutions, with the sweepers provided by Dawson Group. Bristol Waste’s vehicle maintenance team is currently recruiting technicians.
All photos: Bristol Waste
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