Miami-Dade County introduced its first-ever electric-powered waste collection vehicle. The electric waste collection vehicle is designed to reduce air and noise pollution when traveling through neighborhoods early in the morning. 

The electric vehicle (EV) only needs yearly maintenance, in relation to quarterly maintenance for fossil fuel-powered vehicles, according to the manufacturer. 

The EV was introduced by the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) alongside Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, DSWM Director Michael Fernandez, and Darren Jane, District Sales Manager for Mack Trucks. 

“This truck represents our countywide commitment to climate action and brings us one step closer to our goal of net zero emissions by 2050,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “This electric-powered waste collection truck joins a growing county-wide fleet of clean vehicles, as we work to reduce the county’s carbon footprint, preserving and protecting our community for generations to come.” 

And this won’t be the last of its kind.

“Under Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade has taken advantage of many opportunities for funding and support from the federal government to power our local green transition. Initiatives like these are a big step towards environmental justice and with the help of the Inflation Reduction Act, we are going to invest even more in cleaner trucks and buses that we use every day at every level of government — from here in Miami-Dade County up to the halls of Congress,” said Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. 

Steps Toward a Greener Future 

“Every step counts in the fight against climate change and the introduction of this electric garbage truck is a part of that fight,” said Commissioner Eileen Higgins. “Our air will be cleaner, our neighborhoods less noisy, and trash pickup more efficient once our entire fleet has been electrified. Today is the beginning of that project.” 

The truck will charge every night at the county’s Resources Recovery Facility.

“The waste this truck picks up during the day will be incinerated at the Resources Recovery Facility, creating the electricity to recharge the truck at night,” said Mike Fernandez, DSWM Director. “This will be the first automated side loader waste collection vehicle in the U.S. that will be powered by the very waste it collects. This will be a full-circle process.”