Edinburgh has launched the UK’s first all-electric waste and recycling vehicle in a bid to make the city’s business rubbish collections more environmentally friendly.
The vehicle, being trialled by Changeworks Recycling, will cost in the region of £80,000. It is powered by renewable electricity and will operate throughout the Scottish capital, collecting waste and recyclable materials from businesses and retailers in the Essential Edinburgh BID area.
Changeworks Recycling said almost half of the city centre business community will have their waste and recycling collected from the zero emission vehicle. The trial of the all-electric vehicle will last for six months before the organisation implements a £1 million phased replacement programme across its 26 strong fleet, serving more than 3,000 businesses across central Scotland.
The company, that counts the Scottish Parliament, The Edinburgh Grand luxury serviced apartments, Fettes College and the Palace of Holyrood among its client base, is planning to have its entire fleet powered by renewable electricity by 2022. It said this will eliminate carbon emissions and significantly improve air quality for residents and visitors.
Mike McConnell, fleet manager from Changeworks Recycling, said: “It was important to us that we use a vehicle that is suitable for the narrow streets of Edinburgh yet large enough for us to minimise the number of return trips to our depot. It has taken over 18 months from design to delivery but it will be worth the wait.”
The launch has been welcomed by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Frank Ross. He said: “Edinburgh aims to go carbon neutral by 2030 and I commend Changeworks Recycling for joining us on this ambitious journey.”
