Kingston Council’s partnership with Veolia introduces a fleet of 27 electric collection vehicles, reducing emissions and noise while expanding recycling services.
In a move to replace existing diesel models, Kingston Council and Veolia are introducing 27 new electric collection vehicles. These eco-friendly vehicles promise reduced emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM), all of which contribute to air pollution and its associated health hazards.
Starting this September, Kingston will gradually phase out its current recycling and refuse collection vehicles in favour of the new electric fleet. Unlike the existing diesel counterparts, these electric trucks will be dedicated to specific material collections, avoiding simultaneous handling of food waste and mixed recycling. This shift is expected to improve recycling quality, subsequently enhancing Kingston’s recycling rates. Additionally, it will reduce the number of trips each vehicle needs to make to disposal sites, leading to energy savings.
Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, Kingston Council’s Portfolio Holder for Assets, Commissioning, and Waste, praised the initiative as a milestone in climate action for Kingston. The decision to introduce a fully electric waste collection fleet reflects the council’s commitment to sustainable solutions for addressing climate change, he said.
