20.02.20
UK’s biggest eco-friendly refuse fleet worth £3.4m to launch in Liverpool
The UK’s biggest eco-friendly fleet of refuse vehicles is being launched in Liverpool tomorrow (Feb 21) by Mayor Joe Anderson.
The fleet of 20 vehicles, powered by Biomethane, a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), will drastically help to cut Liverpool City Council’s carbon footprint and support their net zero journey.
The new wagons are set to cover more than 150,000 miles a year, but unlike previous diesel refuse vehicles, the produce 80% fewer carbon emissions and 90% less Nitrogen Oxide.
With a load capacity of up to 10.5 tonnes, the Mercedes-Benz Econic chassis and Faun Zoeller Variopress body, enable easy manoeuvring through narrow streets thanks to a rear steering axle.
It comes as part of the council’s bid to improve the collection and recycling of household waste and reach its target of recycling more than 55% of the city’s waste.
£3.4m has been invested in the new vehicles by Liverpool Streetscene Services Ltd (LSSL), a subsidiary of the council, and a new CNG station has been installed at their collection depot.
Benefits of the fleet include 35% less in fuel costs compared to equivalent diesel vehicles, improved working conditions for crews, with less noise, vibration and air pollution and a number of improved safety features.
The council has wrapped the eco-friendly vehicles in promotional messages for citizens to learn how best to tackle climate change.
It comes after government statistics show the city has already achieved an 18% reduction in carbon emissions since 2012 and is on course to hit 35% by the end of 2020.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “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.
“However, we still need residents to take action by reducing, reusing and recycling their waste enable us to hit our targets and reduce the costs to them.’’
The city council are among winners of the recent government tree-planting project and have funding to plant 750 new urban trees across the city. New cycle lanes are also being created and are preparing to propose a Clean Air Zone in the city.
Photo: Liverpool City Council