Following a robust tender process, it was announced that FCC Environment, one of the UK's leading recycling and waste management companies, was Herefordshire Council's preferred bidder for the 8-year contract.
FCC Environment will have 28 new Dennis Eagle vehicles working on the contract including 13 OL19N/OmniDELs, two OL19N/Olympus Trades, seven OL10N/ OmniDELs, four OL Minis and two eCollects.
Brian Ashby, Head of Municipal Collections and Streetscene at FCC Environment, commented: ‘We did complete several trials of alternative chassis and configurations, but only the Dennis Eagle narrow track rear-steer vehicles could be 100% proven to reach the required properties.’
FCC Environment has held the Herefordshire contract since 2000, collecting waste and recyclables from the county’s almost 200,000 people.
‘It was a long and complex tender process with several bidders. At all times though we retained focus on delivering the best solution, with a specific focus on environmental performance,’ Brian continued.
Adam Robins, Dennis Eagle’s General Manager, added: ‘It was a long and enjoyable process. There were a lot of changes along the way, and we left no stone unturned to make sure the complete package met with the Council’s full approval.’
Environmental performance was a key part of the tender process. This meant that a commitment to exploring electrification was crucial for Herefordshire Council.
‘Electric vehicles are not yet quite the like-for-like replacement of mineral-powered vehicles of the same specification, mainly due to range. However, I fully suspect that improved battery life and power are on the horizon, which will improve range,’ said Brian.
‘We have trialled the Dennis Eagle eCollect, and due to its performance, we have procured two of these for use on this contract. I see Dennis Eagle – and other chassis providers – being essential for developing electric solutions, and I look forward to working with them to make this option available to new and existing clients.’
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