After deciding to move its Recycling Centres and waste transfer service in-house, Essex County Council (ECC) recognised the need to establish a specialist fleet with ongoing maintenance provision. Following a diligent tender process, they awarded the contract to NRG Riverside.

As one of the largest counties in England, Essex councils manage around 700,000 tonnes of waste per year, some 52% of which is recycled.

As part of its waste management strategy, ECC encourages its residents to reduce waste and increase recycling to minimise its negative impact on the environment. The council works with the Essex Waste Partnership (EWP) to ensure that sustainable and cost-efficient waste management is delivered across the county.

Working with chassis maker and dealer Harris DAF, NRG Riverside has subsequently delivered 16 x 32t DAF Boughton hook loaders which is the vehicle of choice for lifting large waste containers.

The 11 Boughton trailers will provide additional fleet support for effective bulky waste removal, transport, and treatment across the region.

Craig Shuttleworth, transport manager for ECC commented: ‘As we are one of the largest local authorities and these vehicles are on the front line for ECC, we wanted a vehicle that looks the part and is up to the job. We are very happy with the end result and are looking forward to working with NRG Riverside over the coming years. Having them on a full maintenance package helps us to keep these vehicles in top condition with regards to compliance and will hopefully keep rising costs down.’

NRG Riverside’s Kirsty Hillsden said: ‘As one of the UK’s largest fleet operators, NRG Riverside has the knowledge and experience to recommend and provide specialist fleet solutions to local authorities looking to long-term contract hire vehicles, rather than buy them outright. It is a more cost-effective option, especially since hire rates are fixed for the term of the contract and with the inclusion of a maintenance package, fleet reliability is assured.’