What’s Happening: Republic Services, a leading environmental services company, has announced plans to expand its electric truck fleet through a long-term deal with Oshkosh Corporation. The company will operate two fully integrated electric recycling and waste truck prototypes in the fall and aims for electric vehicles to make up half of its new truck purchases within the next five years.
Why It Matters: With Republic Services’ commitment to fleet electrification, the recycling and waste collection business is poised to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. The collaboration between Republic Services and Oshkosh Corporation also highlights the importance of industry partnerships in advancing environmental initiatives.
Key Points:
- Republic Services will operate two fully integrated electric recycling and waste truck prototypes this fall and expects EVs to represent half of its new truck purchases in the next five years.
- The company currently operates electric collection trucks in two states and has made the largest commitment to fleet electrification in the industry through a multi-supplier vendor strategy.
- Oshkosh’s McNeilus business unit, a longtime provider of recycling and waste collection truck bodies for Republic, will provide the chassis and body design for the electric trucks.
- The electric trucks will feature safety and ergonomic features such as an enlarged windshield, 360-degree cameras, lane-departure sensors, and automated braking.
- Additional vehicles are planned in 2024 for locations including Santa Ana and Carlsbad, Calif., and the Portland, Ore., area.
Bottom Line: Through its collaboration with Oshkosh Corporation, Republic Services is leading the way in advancing sustainability initiatives in the recycling and waste collection industry. The company’s commitment to fleet electrification and greenhouse gas emissions reduction aligns with its goal to promote circularity and decarbonization.
