NEW electric bin lorries are in operation for the first time in Denbighshire.

Following work to familiarise with the vehicles, Denbighshire County Council has actively added two Dennis Eagle e-Collect lorries to the waste collection fleet.

The new fleet members followed the successful test of a Dennis Eagle e-Collect during 2020 around Rhyl, Prestatyn and Ruthin with staff from waste and recycling.

Denbighshire County Council declared a Climate Change and Ecological Emergency in July 2019 and committed to seeking to become a Net Carbon Zero and Ecologically Positive Council by 2030.

A section of this work is reducing reliance on fossil fuel powered vehicles where practical in the council’s fleet.

READ MORE: Denbighshire's electric fleet clocks up thousands of miles

Examples of electric vehicles currently in use are taxis, an electric mini bus used in the Ruthin area, a mobile observatory van and EV ATV used by countryside staff, vans used for goods transport by different services and cars supporting social services staff.

The lorries have been kitted out with a striking livery to help encourage people to reduce general waste collection.

And both also carry snapshots on either side of the picturesque views Denbighshire has to offer to encourage residents further to help cut waste across the county to safeguard these sights against climate change.

Both lorries will be used on the county’s northern rounds which will include Rhyl, Prestatyn and down to the Trefnant area.

They are able to put in up to 100 miles and 1,000 bin lifts per single charge.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire's lead member for environment and transport, said: “We are looking really hard at where we can practically reduce our reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

"I am pleased to see these lorries become operational to assist in waste collection as our staff have worked hard to make ready for the new additions.

“Not only is the electric side important for our drive to cut our carbon footprint, the fantastic livery they carry is a great encouragement to residents to do their bit as well by helping us reduce waste for the amazing county we all live in.”