Fleet Electrification
Collection Goes Electric
In late 2017, GreenWaste of Palo Alto, in collaboration with the City of Palo Alto, debuted the world’s first full-sized all-electric side-loading refuse truck, manufactured by BYD. The vehicle is cutting edge for all parties involved – GreenWaste of Palo Alto (GWPA), the City of Palo Alto, and BYD.
In January of 2019, the GWPA contract with the City of Palo Alto was extended by City Council, opening the door to further expansion of the electric vehicle program. The first phase of the new electric trucks was used for an expanded residential Clean Up program, bin and cart deliveries, and commercial bin wash service.
GWPA now has four all-electric vehicles in operation with plans to run the entire residential garbage fleet with 100% electric vehicles in the future.
Fully Automated Side Loader
The first generation of this truck debuted in Palo Alto in 2017. For two years, GreenWaste of Palo Alto and BYD collected data regarding the truck’s maintenance, reliability, and longevity of charge with the goal of making design improvements to expand the truck’s collection capability. In 2020, GreenWaste received the second-generation truck from BYD with increased battery capacity and miles per charge. The truck saves around 6,000 gallons of diesel per year and reduces emissions by about 78 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents annually.
kWh battery capacity
Miles Per Charge
Rear Loader
The all-electric rear-loading refuse truck hit Palo Alto streets in 2020. This truck is used for GreenWaste’s neighborhood Clean Up Day program and collects recyclable household items that are set out for removal by residents. This versatile truck can collect and accommodate larger items such as non-reusable furniture due to its wide opening at the back.
kWh battery capacity
Miles Per Charge
Flatbed
The all-electric flatbed truck debuted in 2020 and is used for GreenWaste’s neighborhood Clean Up Day program. It collects reusable household items such as chairs, sofas, and tables that are set out for donation by residents. The truck’s ultra-long bed also makes it ideal for delivering garbage, recycling, and compost carts to residential and commercial customers throughout Palo Alto.
kWh battery capacity
Miles Per Charge
Wash Truck
GreenWaste started operation of its new state of the art wash truck in 2020. The truck uses eco-blast spin heads to efficiently wash and maintain bins. The truck has the capacity to hold up to 850 gallons of water and can wash up to 30 bins per day. GreenWaste uses recycled water sourced locally from Palo Alto’s Water Quality Control Plant and the truck’s wash system is 100% self-contained, meaning there is no runoff!
