Waste management company Veolia is set to deploy its first zero-emission electric street-sweeping vehicles in the London Borough of Lambeth – a first for the company’s operations in London and the UK.
Veolia, which has been trialling alternative fuel solutions for its vehicles since 2012, has purchased five new electric street cleansers instead of diesel alternatives, which the company states will save 78 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the environment every year – the equivalent of removing three passenger cars from the road.
A trial of the vehicles in Lambeth showed that the electric street cleansers maintained the same work performance as diesel, while eliminating carbon emissions to zero and bringing additional benefits such as lower maintenance, lower noise output and a 70 per cent reduction in water use.
Veolia’s announcement adds to the momentum behind electrifying collection fleets, with vehicle and compactor manufacturer Geesinknorba unveiling the world’s first fully-electric, rear-loading refuse collection vehicle at the Future Fleet Forum in London in January.
Read more: Electric wheels: A future without petrol for waste collection fleets?
Commenting on the announcement, Pascal Hauret, Regional Director for Veolia London, said: “As one of London's largest fleet operators, low emission vehicle technologies are in our sights. Veolia’s fleet innovation team are actively involved in trials of new street cleansing and refuse collection vehicles, and our vehicles of choice for the next generation of street cleansing machinery will be those with zero emissions. It’s fantastic to see Lambeth Council’s dedication to improving air quality and we are delighted to have been able to bring electric mechanical broom sweepers to the borough.”
Cllr Claire Holland, Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Clean Air, said: “The new electrical vehicles are another step to make our services as environmentally friendly as possible. They are a welcome addition to other initiatives we have to improve air quality in the borough, such as discouraging idling and supporting residents to increase greenery on their streets as part of our innovative Freshview scheme.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.