Refuse trucks play a crucial role in keeping cities clean and healthy.

Recently, several city councils have approved adding refuse trucks to their fleet — new and used.  

Check out the latest New Vehicle Roundup of new purchases and additions of refuse trucks.

New Jersey City Approved for Electric Refuse Trucks

The city of Trenton, New Jersey, received a $1.5 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to purchase two electric refuse vehicles.

The grant aims at counteracting excess nitrogen oxide emissions that harm air quality.

The two electric trucks will be purchased from Hudson County Motors with arrival expected next year, along with two BYD 40KwH electric chargers, and any other necessary electric infrastructure.

Canadian Town Adds New Set of Wheels

The town of Battleford in Canada has approved the purchase of an automated side-loading refuse truck from Superior North America.

The town evaluated three bids based on:

• Pricing,

• Availability,

• Specifications,

• Service,

• Parts Availability,

• Delivery Time.

The chosen automated side-loading refuse truck costs $414,676, which was $14,556 over budget.

The vehicle will be delivered in 2024. The old refuse truck, which has reached the end of its useful life, will likely be sold.

Pennsylvania City Plans to Go Electric

The city of Erie, Pennsylvania, currently has five older diesel-fueled refuse trucks. City officials are planning to submit a grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to replace the old trucks with fully electric trucks.

The city plans to apply for a grant of at least $2.5 million to fund the purchase of electric trucks and required infrastructure, such as charging stations.

Recently, Erie tested an electric-powered refuse truck on loan from M&K Truck Centers for two days. It can run for roughly 100 miles and make 1,000 stops on a single charge.
The grant is part of DEP’s Driving PA Forward initiative, which encourages municipalities and others to purchase electric vehicles. The grant application deadline is April 1.

Ohio Purchases Rear-Load Packer Truck From New York

The City Council of University Heights, Ohio, approved the purchase of a used 2012 rear-load packer truck from New York City. The $48,600 truck will be used for garbage collection.

The council had allocated money last year for the purchase of a new truck, but the plan was delayed.

Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan informed the council of the immediate need for a rear-load packer truck as the current truck is not working and the engine can’t be repaired.

Brennan believes the city should move to an automated collection, which would have required the purchase of trucks with an arm to pick up containers from tree lawns.

But the council approved a “loose recycling” ordinance that will have the city’s service department workers continue to go into backyards to gather and pull curbside waste and recyclables.