This week, Kingston Council’s waste and recycling contractor, Veolia, trialled a zero-emission electric Refuse Collection Vehicle (eRCV) with the hope of introducing a cleaner and greener collection fleet across Kingston. The trial has enabled Veolia and Kingston Council to explore what options are available to create more sustainable services for Kingston in the future.
The 26-tonne e-collect vehicle is powered by lithium-ion batteries rather than diesel. It is designed for urban environments with short routes and can complete an entire shift on one charge. With zero emissions and quieter electric power, this technology could help to improve Kingston’s air quality and cut CO2 emissions, achieving both clean and quiet collections.
Scott Edgell, South London Waste Partnership General Manager, Veolia, said: “At Veolia, we are continually working with our partners to find ways to offer industry-leading solutions to environmental concerns. Electric Refuse Collection Vehicles (eRCVs) can help create cleaner, greener and quieter communities whilst also continuing to deliver the same high-quality service. This trial emphasises our commitment to help reach Kingston Council’s net-zero carbon target by 2038, and offers a pilot for lowering carbon emissions in our RCVs across all of the South London Waste Partnership boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton.”
Councillor John Sweeney, Portfolio Holder for Business and Leisure at Kingston Council said: “We’re really pleased to have been part of this trial – the council and its partners in the South London Waste Partnership are constantly exploring ways to provide essential services while minimising the impact on the environment. Earlier in the year, Kingston Council introduced electric vehicles for the borough’s Estate Services and Community Library teams, and is looking at how it can green more of the fleet in the future. The eRCV is much quieter than a traditional collection vehicle, meaning less noise and disruption for residents during collection rounds, helping create a cleaner, greener, quieter Kingston.”
