Austin debuts first electric waste collection vehicle

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Saturday, the city of Austin publicly debuted Central Texas's first-ever electric waste collection vehicle at the Austin Recreation Center.

Austinites were able to ask questions about the vehicles to city representatives and operators, gaining insight on how they work, as well as the expansion plan for the trucks.

When asked how the push for electric waste collection vehicles will affect Austin and its citizens, Richard McHale, the director of Austin Resource Recovery, detailed the city's big picture.

“This is kind of our first step towards being carbon neutral and getting to a lower carbon footprint,” McHale stated. “This will be a pilot – we’ll use the next coming months to determine how well the truck functions and what kind of issues we have. Back in 2011, the city did a zero waste master plan … We’re behind on where we need to be.”

Desmond Young, operator trainee for the electric waste collection vehicle, while showing how the truck would be operated on a day-to-day basis, spoke about how much of an improvement it is over the previous machine.

“It’s a lot smoother in my opinion. It’s my first time driving it, but I honestly like it better than the regular trucks,” Young said. “No emissions – it’s healthier for the environment, and it’s a lot less pieces … as far as like – maintenance wise.”

Along with the debut of Central Texas’ first electric waste collection vehicle, there was a zero waste resource fair inside the Austin Recreation Center, where visitors can talk with representatives and learn about composting.

For more information, visit Austin Resource Recovery’s webpage.