THE first electric bin lorries are set to be introduced in Torfaen.

Torfaen council has agreed to place an order for two electric refuse vehicles from manufacturer Dennis Eagle.

They will replace two of the authority’s diesel bin lorries which were due for renewal in March next year.

A trial of an electric bin lorry, from Newport City Council, was carried out over two weeks in August and found to be successful.

Torfaen’s current fleet of diesel bin lorries are 22-tonnes, which is smaller than the 26-tonne vehicle manufactured by Dennis Eagle.

But a council report says the trial showed the larger vehicles were “suitable for the majority of areas”.

The report says the purchase of the vehicles shows “a clear positive commitment to the climate emergency by reducing emissions on the streets of Torfaen”.

It will be a first step towards full decarbonisation of the council’s fleet, which it hopes to achieve by 2030.

Each bin lorry will cost £446,194, with Welsh Government offering £200,000 towards each vehicle.

The vehicles will be leased over a period of five years, with an estimated annual cost of £51,307.

They must be ordered by the council this month, with a view to being ready by the spring, for the local authority to qualify for Welsh Government funding.

Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for environment said: “Whilst we have had electric vans delivering our meals on wheels service for a number of years, these vehicles will be our first in our recycling and waste fleet.

“These vehicles are a significant investment, and we are grateful to the Welsh Governmemt for providing a funding contribution to assist in our procurement of them.

“Reducing our carbon emissions to positively effect climate change is important to the Council, and the procurement of these vehicles helps on that agenda.”

Two new 34-tonne ramps will also be bought by the council so that the new vehicles can be services and repaired at the Ty Blaen garage.

The current ramps used by the council have a weight capacity of 24-tonnes and are described as having “exceeded their recommended life”.

Stephen Jarrett, chief officer for neighbourhoods, planning and public protection at the council, approved making a direct award for the two electric refuse vehicles and two new ramps under delegated powers on Tuesday.

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