East Devon take delivery of new electric recycling lorries

Two new, fully electric recycling lorries have been purchased by East Devon District Council (EDDC), allowing it to take major steps towards net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

EDDC is now one of the first district councils in the country to acquire fully electric recycling vehicles, helping to lead the nation forward into a green future.

The purchase was made following recent trials of the Romaquip RQ-E lorries, which will now be used to help accommodate the increasing number of properties in the Cranbrook, Tithebarn, and West Clyst areas. While the vehicles will mainly be used in these areas, they will also be trialled across various collection rounds throughout the district.

The results from the project will help EDDC gather essential data on the vehicles' performance and battery range in rural areas, providing valuable insights for the council’s future fleet replacement plans, set for 2026.

Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Countryside, and Environment, said: “Adding electric vehicles to our recycling fleet is a major milestone in our journey towards net zero carbon by 2040. “We will be working with our partners, SUEZ, and are proud to be one of the first district councils to operate fully electric recycling vehicles. “These vehicles will help us decide if they are suited to the whole of our district. Carbon emissions are not only bad for the environment but bad for our health too.” The Romaquip RQ-E lorries are part of EDDC’s broader strategy to decarbonise its transport operations. The council has already achieved a 45 per cent electric vehicle (EV) rate within its white fleet, with plans to reach 50 per cent during 2025.

With transport accounting for 10 per cent of the council’s total carbon footprint, the integration of these electric vehicles marks a pivotal step towards sustainable operations.

Future planning around fleet decarbonisation is ongoing, with a comprehensive strategy being developed in collaboration with SWEEG, who also provide guidance on EDDC’s climate change action plan.

The purchase of the Romaquip RQ-E vehicles is a critical component in creating a clean growth zone around the west end of the district, ensuring all collections in the area are electrified.