Reducing carbon emissions: All-electric garbage truck coming to Des Moines
An all-electric garbage truck will soon be a reality on Des Moines streets.
The City Council approved the purchase of the all-electric garbage truck at its meeting Monday.
The city believes the addition will help meet its climate action plan.
Public Works Director Jonathan Gano said the 35 refuse collection trucks use nearly half of the city’s diesel despite representing less than 5% of its 900 vehicle fleet.
"Our garbage collection fleet is one of the biggest users of diesel in the City,” Gano said in a statement. “Because of the nature of collecting garbage, recycling and yard waste, they stop and start frequently, leading to an inefficient fuel usage. Switching this fleet over to electric will greatly reduce our city’s carbon emissions."
The electric trucks are made to order. It could take up to two years before it's on the road.
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