Liverpool now operates UK’s largest eco-friendly refuse truck fleet
The UK’s biggest eco-friendly fleet of refuse vehicles is about to hit the streets of Liverpool. Powered by biomethane, the 20 strong fleet will help to radically cut Liverpool City Council’s CO2 footprint. Producing 80% fewer CO2 emissions and 90% less NOx than the previous diesel vehicles, each new truck will cover more than 150,000 miles a year. The vehicles each have a Mercedes-Benz Econic chassis with Faun Zoeller Variopress body, a load capacity of up to 10.5 tons and a rear steering axle to easily maneuver narrow streets.
The new CNG vehicles are part of a drive to improve the collection and recycling of household waste across the city to help reach a target of recycling more than 55% of waste. Liverpool Streetscene Services Ltd (LSSL), a subsidiary of Liverpool City Council, has invested £3.4 million in the new trucks, which will help reduce fuel costs by 35% compared to like-for-like diesel vehicles. A CNG station has also been installed at LSSL’s refuse collection depot.
LSSL crews have improved working conditions with less noise, vibration and air pollution. The vehicles also have low cab entry and various features making them safer and easier to use. In turn, the eco-friendly fleet is being specially wrapped with promotional material, designed by the council’s in-house marketing team, with messages about how best to tackle climate change.
“This investment in a new fleet of refuse vehicles is a great statement of intent in our goal to make Liverpool a cleaner and greener city. The council inherited a tired and run down fleet which was inefficient, unreliable and costly. Having a brand new refuse fleet that is bigger, more efficient and safer gives our collection teams the right tools to ensure residents receive a more reliable service,” said Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson.
“Liverpool City Council, and LSSL are a valued client to us. We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the team at Liverpool over a number of years, and to have been able to assist in the integration of CNG into the fleet has been a valuable experience. It is great to work with such forward thinking Local Authorities, and we are already in discussions with options for the future. Collectively we are now in a position to advise our clients who are looking at alternative fuels to diesel,” commented Faun Zoeller Commercial Director, Stewart Gregory.
