Maidstone Borough Council takes “ext-roar-dinary” step for sustainability with new eCollect

With an existing fleet of 17 electric vehicles (EVs) already in service with MBC, including street cleaners, transit vehicles, and transport for its parks and open spaces, the next natural step for the council was to introduce an electric RCV (eRCV) to its infrastructure. Having worked with Dennis Eagle previously and well aware of our strong reputation within the industry, MBC decided our eCollect was the best fit for their requirements.  

“We had trialled a similar vehicle to the eCollect a while ago, so were already familiar with Dennis Eagle’s technology and capabilities,” said Councillor Clive English, MBC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement. “Introducing the new eRCV to our fleet is an essential step forward for us in line with our sustainability ambitions, continuing our work towards evolving as much of our fleet to electric as possible.”  

In addition to its own small fleet of vehicles, the council also has an eight-year contract with leading recycling and waste management services provider, SUEZ. Dennis Eagle and SUEZ have a history dating back 30 years, a partnership that continues to go from strength to strength across the country. Already proud owners of a 26-tonne Olympus 22 Twin Pack in addition to the eCollect, MBC’s relatively new relationship with Dennis Eagle has been positively received so far, with the council’s Specialist Transport Manager citing particular satisfaction with our service.  

A dino-mite design 

As the first eRCV in its county, the eCollect is already making a positive impact to the local environment through quieter operation, significantly reduced carbon emissions, and improved efficiencies, but its plaudits don’t end there. It’s also making a huge impression in the community due to its colourful and eye-catching wrap, provided by Creative Vehicle Wrapping. This features a giant Iguanodon and the tagline “From fossils to the future, Maidstone is roaring towards net zero”, demonstrating both the council’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and a glimpse into its dinosaur-related heritage.  

The only town in the UK to have a dinosaur feature on its coat of arms, Maidstone proved a significant site for palaeontology when an Iguanodon fossil was discovered in a local quarry near Queens Road in 1834. At the time, this was the best articulated specimen of its kind, a skeleton still displayed at the Natural History Museum in London today. Affectionately known as ‘Iggy’, the dinosaur is a popular feature throughout Maidstone, with the recent introduction of a statue at the town centre’s train station in 2021 now proudly joined by the lovingly named ‘Binosaurus Rex’ eRCV, which will continue its legacy.  

“We wanted to ensure the imagery of the Iguanodon featured heavily on the eCollect’s wrap, not only as a nod to our heritage, but also to help young people engage with the importance of waste collection, inspiring the next generation to be aware of their environmental impact,” said Cllr English. “We further extended this engagement by running an art competition in partnership with SUEZ earlier this year. This invited our residents to design bold, imaginative vehicle livery to promote environmental protection, for which the winner should be revealed very soon.” 

 Cllr Stuart Jeffery and Cllr Clive English 

Building on ‘Pterrific’ efforts 

The vibrant eCollect will be used to empty street litter bins and collect waste from larger bins located in public areas such as Mote Park and laybys along the A249. Its zero-emissions approach to waste collection is set to make a colossal difference to the council, its residents, and the local environment, building on MBC’s tireless and continual efforts to decarbonise as much as possible. This includes installing solar panels to power its buildings, replacing its heating system, adding new glazing to its windows, and investing in greater insulation. 

“The introduction of the eCollect only reinforces MBC’s inspirational commitment towards its net zero ambitions,” said Dan Foden, Regional Sales Manager, Dennis Eagle. “In addition to bringing the benefits of EVs into its fleet several years ago, the council is now keen to see how our eRCVs could help revolutionise its daily waste collection rounds across the county. It’s a very exciting time for the borough and we’re proud to be playing a part in that growth.”  

This also builds on MBC’s drive to boost recycling rates across the borough. Since March, food waste tonnage has increased from 260 to 400 tonnes per month, residual waste is down by 10%, and the overall recycling rate has risen to 47%. All of this and more has been implemented in order to meet changing regulatory standards, realise the advantages of long-term cost savings, and, most importantly, help tackle the increasingly urgent climate emergency.  

With the help of our eCollect, MBC is truly roaring towards net zero.