Salford’s first electric bin wagon hits the road

Salford City Council has taken another big step to drive down carbon emissions with the addition of an electric bin wagon.

The vehicle joins the council’s fleet of 21 ‘Greener Salford’ electric vehicles, including vans, a tipper truck and a road sweeper.

The council has also taken the opportunity to feature a tribute to the city’s armed forces, with the Lest We Forget message on the sides of the wagon acting as a year-round acknowledgment to those who have lost their lives in war. This was an idea from our Vehicle Services Manager, Alan Fitzsimons, who was keen to take this message into communities throughout the year.

Over the past 12 months, the council has been trialling different electric bin wagons to find the most suitable vehicle. Electric bin wagons have less maintenance than diesel wagons, lower running costs and a longer lifespan. They also create less air pollution and noise pollution.

The move helps to prepare for the 2038 deadline for the city and the rest of Greater Manchester to become ‘carbon neutral’ and is part of a long-term approach of replacing older diesel and petrol vehicles with electric vehicles.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety said:  “It’s fantastic to see the first electric bin wagon joining our green fleet on the streets of Salford, as the next step in our decarbonisation journey. We plan to reduce our carbon footprint whilst maintaining the high levels of service our residents expect.”
 
Salford City Council has been awarded the Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its outstanding support of the Armed Forces community. This is the highest honour given by the Ministry of Defence to organisations that go above and beyond in supporting service personnel, veterans, and their families.

Look out for the new wagon at the Winton Festival Family Fun Day this Saturday in Winton Park, as part of Salford’s Armed Forces Day celebrations.