Wrexham Council trials new electric refuse vehicle in bid to reduce carbon emissions

A new electric refuse vehicle is being trialled by Wrexham Council as part of ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The diesel vehicles currently used to collect recycling and waste in the county borough are among the largest emitters of CO2 within the council’s fleet.

However as part of its efforts to tackle the climate emergency, the council has looked for new and creative ways to reduce its carbon emissions.

This includes trialling an electric refuse vehicle, which been refurbished and up-cycled from a diesel engine vehicle.

Electric vehicles prevent harmful exhaust fumes such as oxides of nitrogen being emitted into the air, this is especially beneficial to collection operatives working beside the vehicle daily.

Diesel engines are also a source of noise pollution in residential areas, and electric vehicles are significantly quieter than their diesel counterparts. They also have lower running costs compared with a diesel refuse vehicles.

If the trial is successful the vehicle could offer a zero-emission waste collection service.

Councillor David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We’ve been awarded a Welsh Government grant of £155k that will be spent on the purchase of an electric vehicle.

“The addition of an electric refuse vehicle to our fleet will be positive environmental step.

“With the population of Wrexham expected to continue to grow over the next few years, and thereby increasing the overall waste produced, the council constantly strives to improve its recycling rate and to lower its own impact on the environment”.

Council Leader Cllr Mark Pritchard added: “Wrexham residents consistently achieve high recycling rates, and as a council we’re always looking for ways to improve our recycling and waste collection services, while reducing our impact on the environment”.

“If the pilot proves successful, you could soon have your waste collected by an electric refuse vehicle, instead of a diesel one.”