Great Yarmouth trials electric vehicle for bin collections

Bin collections in Caister-on-Sea were carried out by a ground-breaking electric vehicle earlier this month, replacing the usual diesel-powered truck.

The distinctive pink branded vehicle was on loan from manufacturer Dennis Eagle, which claims its eCollect refuse truck is the only 100% electric vehicle of its type.

It is powered by five packs of lithium ion batteries, capable of producing 300kWh of power and allowing the vehicle to collect 20 tonnes of waste over an eight-hour shift.

It is designed to be recharged overnight, taking six to seven hours to replenish the batteries.

The trial is part of Great Yarmouth Borough Council's preparations to transfer responsibility for waste collections and other services from its current joint venture with Norse to a new wholly owned company from April next year.

The new Great Yarmouth Services company will collect household waste and carry out a wide range of maintenance and environmental services across the borough.

The council is also exploring options to reduce the environmental impact of other vehicles used to deliver its services, including the use of hydrogen injection technology. This sees existing diesel vehicles fitted with targeted hydrogen fuel supplies to help reduce emissions.

Chairman of the council's environment committee Cllr Paul Wells said: "Electric vehicles create less pollution, are cheaper to run and maintain, and create less noise for residents and for crews - but they currently cost a lot more to buy.

"Trials like this are important in helping us understand how they, or other innovations, might reduce the council's carbon footprint in the future, while also making sure we get best value for money for residents."