One of Britain’s largest fleets of bin lorries goes electric

Waste management company Biffa working with Lunaz to ‘upcycle’ existing diesel refuse trucks into zero-emission electric powertrains – saving taxpayer money.

The two companies, both based in Silverstone, will initially upcycle up to ten 26-tonne refuse trucks, saving as much as 210 tonnes in embedded carbon. These upcycled electric vehicles (UEVs) will undergo technical trials before taking on commercial and municipal waste collection routes later this year. 

Every vehicle upcycled through Lunaz’ proprietary process and technology saves 82% of its embedded carbon, according to the company. 

Lunaz can currently upcycle more than 1,110 industrial vehicles per year. But the company is committed to expanding capacity to meet increasing demand as we head towards the 2030 ban on the sale of fossil-fuelled vehicles. 

Councils in the UK could save more than £1m for every 20 vehicles upcycled in this way, according to Biffa and Lunaz, rather than buy new electric equivalents.  

Maxine Mayhew, COO Collection & Specialist Services at Biffa, says: ‘As the UK’s leading sustainable waste management company we are committed to enabling the circular economy while reducing emissions and carbon expenditure in every aspect of our business.  

‘By working with Lunaz to meet our goal of buying no more fossil fuelled vehicles by 2030 while breaking the replace-with-new cycle, we pioneer an approach in this industry that saves millions of tonnes in embedded carbon. 

‘I am proud that every electric vehicle upcycled by Lunaz for Biffa’s fleet will mean one less tailpipe emission emitting vehicle for our planet. This long-term partnership with Lunaz is a major pillar in our collective effort to achieve our 2030 commitments.’ 

David Lorenz, founder and CEO of Lunaz, adds: ‘We are proud to assist in delivering Biffa’s sustained commitment to leading the waste management industry’s transition to net zero. By embracing the power of upcycling as a dramatically more sustainable course to the transition to a clean-air fleet, Biffa delivers economic value to its stakeholders while delivering a great ecological dividend to the planet.’ 

‘By finding new life for diesel-emitting vehicles, we are delighted to stand together with a leading UK company in creating the potential to reduce global emissions at scale.’ 

In related news, Rotherham council recently announced plans to refresh 35% of its 337 strong fleet of bought and rented vehicles as part of the town’s net zero ambitions for 2030.

Photo courtesy of Biffa.