Electric garbage truck trial underway in South Australia
By Lucy Jones 30 April 2021
Councils consider a switch to electric waste collection services as renewables ramp up across the state.
Bin day is set to become cleaner (and quieter) for residents of four Adelaide councils. The City of Adelaide, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, City of Charles Sturt and City of Marion have partnered with Cleanaway to trial an electric waste collection truck.
The trial is part of a larger push to reduce South Australia's carbon emissions. The state has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 per cent by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
"The trial of a new electric waste truck is a fantastic initiative, and it is an example of how councils can work together to address climate change and improve sustainability across metropolitan Adelaide," City of Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said in a statement.
The truck can run for 120 kilometres before it needs to be charged and is significantly quieter than a generic garbage truck. The trial will determine how reliable the electric vehicle is over different terrains as it travels across council collection routes. The truck will be charged overnight at Cleanaway's depot in Port Adelaide.
"In South Australia we have 150 vehicles on the road each day servicing homes and businesses all over the state. We have an obligation to keep finding ways to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment and the community, which is how we work towards our mission of 'making a sustainable future possible'," said Conan Hookings, Cleanaway General Manager of Solids Waste Services for South Australia and Tasmania.
Electric vehicles will work hand-in-hand with renewables to transition South Australia to a low-carbon future. The state already celebrated its first day running on 100 per cent renewables in in October last year. Currently, over half of South Australia's electricity supply is generated by renewables. With rooftop solar installations on the rise, the state is on track to achieve its goal of 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.
Positive Environment News has been compiled using publicly available information. Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.
Lucy started her career working as a writer and editor in print and digital publishing. She went on to create content for Australia's leading sustainable fashion platform while completing her Master of Cultural Studies. Lucy spends her downtime at the beach, crocheting and hanging out with her cat Larry. She believes words can change the world and is stoked to help Planet Ark spread the message of positive environmental change.
