In a collaborative effort with Veolia, Kingston Council is set to introduce a fleet of 27 new electric collection vehicles this September, replacing their existing diesel models. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Kingston Council’s steadfast commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by the year 2030, maintaining their pledge despite shifting decarbonization dynamics in the UK.
The deployment of these electric vehicles heralds a new era for waste collection in the borough, characterized by reduced noise pollution and significantly lowered harmful emissions. These emissions have long been identified as contributors to poor air quality, affecting the health and well-being of Kingston’s residents.
One notable shift in this initiative is the assignment of each new electric vehicle to single-material collections, departing from the practice of combining food waste and mixed recycling, as observed with their diesel counterparts. This strategic realignment aims to enhance recycling quality, thereby boosting Kingston’s recycling rates. Additionally, the reduction in contamination is expected to result in fewer trips to disposal sites, conserving valuable energy resources.
Scott Edgell, General Manager for Veolia South London, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’re excited to see our partnership with Kingston Council result in a better service for residents, along with reduced air and noise pollution thanks to the introduction of our new electric fleet of recycling and waste collection vehicles. By constantly innovating our resources and services, we can drive ecological transformation across the borough and support our partner on their net zero carbon journey.”
Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, Kingston Council’s Portfolio Holder for Assets, Commissioning, and Waste, emphasized the significance of this move in the context of climate action, saying, “This is a huge milestone for climate action in Kingston. We are committed to finding sustainable solutions to tackle climate change, and introducing a fully electric waste collection fleet demonstrates that. We are proud to be one of the first authorities nationally to make such a move. By introducing an electric waste fleet, we’ll help improve the borough’s air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, bringing us closer to achieving net zero by 2030.”
Kingston Council’s bold step towards a net zero future exemplifies their unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being. This initiative serves as an inspirational model for other local authorities and groups, encouraging them to pursue the net zero 2030 goal, even amidst recent news of decarbonization challenges in the nation.
