Wolverhampton’s streets and parks will become both cleaner and greener as the council starts to operate 3 new electric waste collection vehicles.

The electric caged tippers have replaced old diesel powered versions as part of the council’s fleet electrification programme and commitment to a greener city.

The new vehicles will be used by the council’s environmental services team to clear waste from the city’s pedestrian areas and parks. Used throughout the year, the vehicles will provide quiet, efficient and emission free cleaning.

The caged tippers add to a diverse range of electric vehicles and machines that the authority now operates. 

The council has made a pledge to become carbon net zero by the end of 2028 and is currently undergoing fleet electrification to help meet this target.

Under the programme, the council has replaced a wide range of its old diesel vehicles with electric ones.

These include vehicles in our Meals on Wheels service, environmental and waste services, bereavement services, mayoral, parking services and Wolverhampton Homes. Others support children’s services, our travel unit, parks team, arboricultural and countryside services. In total, the council has introduced 34 zero emission vehicles and has installed 31 chargers in its depots.

Councillor Craig Collingswood, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Our ongoing fleet electrification programme is progressing well and I am happy to see these new electric tippers replacing old diesel vehicles that had come to the end of their lives.

“The new vehicles are quieter, resulting in less disturbance to the public, and drivers tell us that the ability to charge the vehicles overnight is more efficient than taking time to refuel with diesel. 

“Our fleet electrification programme is a key part of our work to becoming net zero by the end of 2028 and I am pleased to see that these electric caged tippers have benefits for staff and residents alike.”