Hammersmith & Fulham Council go green with e-bikes & vans

Veolia and Hammersmith & Fulham Council are making significant strides in reducing emissions by introducing e-cargo bikes and electric vans to their waste management fleet.

The arrival of 20 new electric vehicles, including eight cargo bikes, eight electric vans, three street cleansing cage vehicles, and one electric refuse collection vehicle, is set to revolutionise waste collection and street cleaning in the borough. This eco-friendly initiative aims to make collections cleaner, greener, and quieter for residents.

This move towards electric vehicles will not only improve air quality by reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) emissions but also support the council’s vision to become the greenest borough in the country.

The introduction of e-cargo bikes is particularly exciting as they will enhance service efficiencies by navigating narrower routes like the Thames Pathway. This will enable the team to efficiently empty public litter bins and tackle fly-tipped waste throughout the borough.

These electric vehicles mark the latest milestone in Veolia’s commitment to helping Hammersmith & Fulham transition towards a more sustainable future. Since partnering in a new waste and recycling contract in 2022, Veolia has introduced food waste services to over 50,000 households, provided wheeled bins for recycling and waste to 16,000 kerbside properties, and launched a paid garden waste collection service for residents.

Councillor Sharon Holder, cabinet member for public realm in Hammersmith & Fulham, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Our waste team is dedicated to maintaining clean and safe parks and streets for residents and visitors. With the addition of these new vehicles, we are not only fulfilling our responsibilities but also actively contributing to reducing air pollution in the borough.”

Scott Edgell, general manager for Veolia South London, echoed the council’s sentiments, stating, “We take pride in spearheading innovative and sustainable operations in waste management.”