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🌱 Can Electric Trucks Handle the Dirty Work? A Trial in Wiltshire 🚛⚡

Can electric rubbish trucks handle rural waste collection? Wiltshire Council is testing the UK’s first electric bin lorry to cut emissions and lower costs. Learn about the challenges, benefits, and future of sustainable waste management.

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Green Glow
January 31, 2025

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The global push for sustainability has led to major shifts in transportation, and now, waste collection is undergoing a transformation. In Wiltshire, UK, an electric rubbish truck is being trialed to determine whether it can effectively replace traditional diesel-powered bin lorries. This initiative is part of Wiltshire Council’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. But can electric trucks handle the demands of rural waste collection? Let’s explore the challenges, benefits, and long-term potential of this groundbreaking trial.

Table of Contents

The Electric Rubbish Truck: A Game-Changer?

Wiltshire Council has introduced the Volvo FE Low Entry Cab RCV, the first of its kind in the UK. Unlike diesel models, this electric bin lorry produces zero emissions, reducing air pollution and carbon footprint.

However, one of the biggest concerns is cost. The electric truck is 50% more expensive than its diesel counterpart, raising questions about financial feasibility. The council, however, believes that long-term savings on fuel and maintenance will make it a cost-effective investment.

Challenges of Electric Waste Collection in Rural Areas

Switching to electric waste collection is relatively straightforward in urban areas with shorter, predictable routes and frequent charging stations. But in rural regions like Wiltshire, several unique challenges arise:

  1. Long Collection Routes 🚛

    • Rubbish collection routes in Wiltshire range from 25 miles (40 km) to 125 miles (201 km).

    • This poses concerns about battery range and whether the truck can complete rounds without needing a recharge.

  2. Topography & Weather 🌧️

    • Hilly terrain and unpredictable weather can affect battery efficiency.

    • Extra power is required for uphill drives and in extreme cold, reducing overall range.

  3. Charging Infrastructure ⚡

    • Wiltshire Council has installed charging points at waste depots, but widespread charging accessibility remains a challenge.

    • The truck requires up to 8 hours for a full charge, making route planning crucial.

Potential Benefits: Why Make the Switch?

Despite the challenges, electric bin lorries offer numerous benefits:

✅ Environmental Impact 🌍

  • Zero tailpipe emissions reduce air pollution, improving public health.

  • Helps meet local and national carbon neutrality goals.

✅ Lower Operating Costs 💰

  • No diesel costs mean significant savings over time.

  • Fewer moving parts result in lower maintenance expenses.

✅ Quieter Operations 🔇

  • Unlike diesel trucks, electric waste collection vehicles operate almost silently.

  • This is beneficial for early morning collections, reducing noise pollution.

Expert Opinions: A Step in the Right Direction?

Councillor Dominic Muns, Wiltshire’s Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment, is optimistic:

"We’re on track to meet our 2030 carbon neutrality goal. This trial is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a significant step forward."

Meanwhile, Mike Gill, from Volvo Truck & Bus Wales & West, highlights the importance of testing in rural areas:

"Wiltshire Council has taken the right approach by trialing this vehicle. There are so many variables in a rural county—topography, weather, driving style—all of which impact battery range."

Is This the Future of Waste Collection?

The Wiltshire trial will provide crucial data on how well electric trucks perform in demanding rural settings. If successful, it could pave the way for widespread adoption of electric waste collection across the UK.

However, for a full transition, improvements in battery efficiency, charging infrastructure, and cost reductions will be necessary. Governments and manufacturers must work together to scale up production and make electric bin lorries more accessible.

Conclusion

The trial in Wiltshire is a bold step towards greener waste management, but challenges remain. Electric trucks have the potential to revolutionize rubbish collection, reducing emissions and operational costs. However, for rural areas with long routes and charging limitations, their success will depend on technological advancements and strategic planning.

As more councils explore eco-friendly waste solutions, Wiltshire’s experiment could serve as a blueprint for sustainable waste management nationwide. The question isn’t if electric bin lorries can handle the dirty work—it’s how soon they’ll become the standard.

FAQs

Why is Wiltshire Council trialing an electric rubbish truck?

Wiltshire Council is testing an electric bin lorry as part of its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The trial will help assess the truck’s efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact compared to diesel models.

What are the benefits of using an electric bin lorry?

Electric bin lorries produce zero emissions, helping reduce air pollution and carbon footprint. They are also quieter, have lower maintenance costs, and eliminate fuel expenses, making them potentially more cost-effective in the long run.

What are the main challenges of using electric rubbish trucks in rural areas?

Challenges include:

  • Long collection routes (some up to 125 miles) affecting battery range.

  • Terrain and weather conditions impacting performance.

  • Charging infrastructure, as the truck requires up to 8 hours for a full charge.

How does the electric bin lorry compare to a diesel model?

While the electric truck is 50% more expensive upfront, the council expects to save money over time through reduced fuel and maintenance costs. It is also better for the environment, supporting Wiltshire’s sustainability goals.

When will the trial end, and what happens next?

The trial is ongoing in Calne and Chippenham, with results expected to influence future waste collection policies. If successful, Wiltshire Council may expand the use of electric waste collection vehicles.

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