Local population growth, increased recycling quantities and extensive new residential developments have led Hambleton District Council to expand its refuse and recycling collection fleet with vehicles part-powered by electricity to reduce carbon emissions.
In February, the authority took on six new 26-tonne Dennis Eagle Twinpack refuse trucks to replace and expand its existing fleet of five vehicles. In line with the council’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the new vehicles are fitted with electric triple bin lifts, which use less diesel than hydraulic lifts and are quieter, reducing noise pollution.
Cllr Stephen Watson, Cabinet spokesperson, Hambleton District Council, said: ‘These electric bin lifts will not only help reduce our carbon emissions but are also less noisy, so they are far more environmentally friendly.’
The council already operates four electric vehicles comprising two cars and two Nissan eNV200 electric vans.
‘Unfortunately, we cannot move to all-electric vehicles as our rounds are too long, and currently, the technology would not allow them to complete a round without needing recharging. But we are looking at all ways to reduce emissions and using electric vehicles where it is possible.’
Sue Seddon, Technical Support Manager, Hambleton District Council, commented: ‘We have invested in an additional vehicle to accommodate collections from a large number of new properties, which will ultimately create a new round. The sixth vehicle will be supporting the rest of the fleet with recycling, garden waste, and household refuse collections until the new properties come online.’
All the vehicles have been supplied by the council’s vehicle supplier, Specialist Fleet Services (SFS), as part of a 10-year contract hire agreement awarded in 2015. SFS first became Hambleton District Council’s vehicle partner in 2007, and since then, the authority has renewed its contract with SFS on three consecutive occasions.
Sue Seddon added: ‘Our relationship with SFS is excellent. The company is approachable at every level and understood our organisation very quickly. Nothing is ever a problem. Because the team does its job so well, it means we can concentrate on the job at hand and collect waste and recycling without having to worry about our Operators Licence or when vehicles need servicing, repairs and MOTs. The company helps us maximise the efficiency of our fleet and workshop operations, so vehicle downtime is minimised, and assist us in future-proofing our fleet by incorporating low emissions technologies to meet carbon reduction targets.’
Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS, commented: ‘It’s great to hear that Hambleton is pleased with our services. We have enjoyed building a long-lasting relationship that is performing really well. We invest as much time and resources as required to gain an in-depth understanding of their operations so that we please their needs and add value wherever possible.’
