Greener Bin Lorries are Far from Rubbish

Residents across South Tyneside are to benefit from more efficient refuse collection services thanks to continued investment in the Council's fleet of bin lorries.

The Council is replacing 22 of its bin lorries in a rolling programme worth around £3.8m. The wagons are being replaced as they come to the end of their life and the Council has just taken delivery of the final six vehicles. 

The new lorries are built to the latest technological and emission standards, making them more efficient in terms of fuel efficiency and their impact on the local environment. They also feature energy-saving electric bin lifting mechanisms, which make them noticeably quieter for residents and reduce fuel costs.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: "We know how important reliable refuse collections are to people and these vehicles will help us provide a resilient and efficient service. 

"We also recognise the role we all have to play in doing what we can to help the planet. These vehicles will not only result in savings for the Council through reduced maintenance costs, they are also better for the environment."

Six of the wagons have been specifically designed to make it easier to collect recycled material with paper going in one compartment and dry mix in another which prevents cross-contamination.

This will be especially helpful in Whitburn where a pilot recycling scheme allows residents to recycle paper and cardboard together in a separate bin. The trial, which is ongoing, has been well received by both residents and waste crews, and has resulted in an eight per cent increase in recycling rates and with a significant reduction in contamination.