Islington Borough's reworked refuse vehicle is 'ultimate in recycling'

Electrifying any fleet poses numerous challenges, but when it is one as diverse as that operated by public sector organisation London Borough of Islington, it brings additional issues.

One of these is finding like-for-like zero-emission alternatives to specialist vehicles, such as those fitted with tail-lifts or other equipment.

However, the council, which has declared a climate emergency, has opted to innovate and take a lead in adopting the technologies.

This approach has seen the local authority, which won the outstanding product of the year category at the Fleet News Awards as well as being highly-commended in the environmental fleet trailblazer section, take on the world’s first refurbished and repowered twin-pack refuse vehicle in October.

The former Dennis Elite 6 diesel vehicle with a Dennis Olympus twin pack body was at the end of its usual five-to-seven year lifecycle, but was retrofitted with electric capabilities.

As well as producing zero emissions, it means the vehicle can now be run for a further 10 years which is in line with the council’s re-use, recycling and circular economy agenda.

Fleet News: How are your electrification plans progressing?