Iveco recycling truck collects its own fuel

By Categories: NewsPublished On: Saturday 27 October 2018

A recycling company in north-east England is thought to be the first in the country to run a truck fuelled by the waste that it collects.

Warrens Group uses a 16-tonne Iveco Eurocargo Natural Power to collect food waste from pubs, restaurants and supermarkets.

The truck runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), and the company is believed to be the first in the UK to refuel a truck with bio-gas made from its own food waste collections. Warrens Group processes 115,000 tonnes of food waste and organic-based materials into 100 million kWh of energy every year.

With more than 20 years’ experience in gas vehicle technology, Iveco was well-placed to secure the order.

Warrens Group director Adam Warren, said: “Our company is all about recycling waste and converting it into energy so when we wanted to buy a gas-powered vehicle, we knew Iveco was at the forefront of this technology. The team at Iveco were brilliant in helping us understand the advantages of natural gas and were able to supply and specify a truck faster than any other manufacturer we spoke to.

“We recognise natural gas as the future and believe this is the start of a great relationship with Iveco. The support they’ve given us has been so good that we’re already planning to add more of their gas-powered vehicles to our fleet.”

The Eurocargo Natural Power’s six-cylinder engine is already compliant with Euro 6 step D emission levels, the vehicle can also enter restricted areas in city centres – a key requirement for the company as it looks to future-proof its fleet. It also claims one of the best turning circles for its size and specification, making it nimble in tight city streets.

In operation for up to six days a week, the Eurocargo NP is a new addition to a 35-strong fleet with all maintenance work being conducted at supplying dealer North East Truck and Van.

Equipped with a Macpac specialist food refuse body, the Eurocargo NP is expected to remain in this frontline role for five years, with refuelling carried out at Warrens Group’s on-site facility in Newton Aycliffe.