Seventeen bright green refuse collection vehicles, two sweepers and three bulky waste trucks are already in service, with nine specialist food waste vehicles due by February 2026.

The expanded fleet will support the launch of a new household waste service next spring, giving residents separate collections for garden, recycling, general and food waste. Food waste will be turned into green energy, cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The new fleet forms part of an eight-year contract with SFS, extending a successful 20-year partnership to 2033. All heavy goods vehicles will also run on vegetable oil, reducing carbon emissions by up to 90%.

The council’s executive member for Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Lynda Hodgkins, said: ‘I am pleased to welcome this new contract with Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS). This partnership will enhance our waste management services, providing efficient and reliable services to our residents.

‘What’s more, the new food waste collection will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate green energy, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and improving the quality of life for all our residents.’

Residents can get involved by helping to name the new food waste trucks in a competition running until 30 September.

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