Casella Waste Systems, Inc., introduced its Mack LR Electric model, which it says is the first electric refuse vehicle in the company's fleet as well as the state of Vermont. 

The new truck was presented in a ceremony in front of more than 100 attendees including local and state representatives, local business leaders, customers, employees, and more.

“The state of Vermont continues to be a leader in electrifying the transportation sector, and I truly believe it’s the future,” Vermont Governor, Phil Scott said. “But, the government cannot lead the transition alone. It takes committed partners in the private sector, like Casella, to step up as well. I thank Casella for making this exciting investment, and I look forward to our continued partnerships.”

Casella’s LR Electric refuse truck has been equipped with an automated side-loader with a split body for collecting waste and recycling simultaneously. By switching one truck from diesel to electric, Casella expects to conserve over 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel per year.

Because the fleet will be charging with Green Mountain Power, which delivers 100% carbon-free electricity, the company expects to eliminate over 78 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year, which the company stated is equivalent to taking around 16 passenger vehicles off the road.

The Mack LR E will be used on residential routes in the Rutland Region and was partially made possible when Casella secured grant funding through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. Casella believes that Vermont will provide the right proving ground for the pilot program, testing against the mountainous terrain, and cold winters.

“Sustainable innovation is core to everything we do as a company,” said Casella Chairman and CEO, John W. Casella. “The opportunity to pilot the Mack LR Electric in Vermont will help us evaluate whether this is a viable option in other markets that we serve. The opportunity to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while maintaining a high level of service to our customers, is key to us.”

In 2005 Casella joined the EPA Climate Leaders as a charter member, and in 2012 the company was awarded the EPA’s Climate Leadership Award for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Emissions after reducing its carbon footprint by more than 45% and has recently established a goal to reduce it by another 40% by 2030.

“This is another important milestone in our pursuit of becoming a more sustainable business while serving our customers in a way that helps them meet their sustainability goals as well,” Casella said. “This pilot program is an important step in understanding the viability of the technology and how we could potentially scale it.”