Republic Services rolls out fully integrated electric recycling, waste truck fleet

Republic Services Inc., Phoenix, has announced plans to significantly scale its electric truck fleet through a long-term deal with Oshkosh Corp., an Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based truck manufacturer. It will begin operating two fully integrated electric recycling and waste truck prototypes this fall and expects electric vehicles (EVs) to represent half of its new truck purchases in the next five years.

Republic operates a vocational fleet with 17,000 trucks, with electric collection trucks currently operating in two states. The company says it has made the industry's largest commitment to fleet electrification through a multiple supplier-vendor strategy. Oshkosh's McNeilus business unit is one of Republic's longtime providers of recycling and waste collection truck bodies.

The chassis and body are designed as a single unit, maximizing interior space and creating a unique, streamlined exterior. Safety features include an enlarged windshield for improved visibility, 360-degree cameras, lane-departure sensors and automated braking.

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"Republic Services is uniquely positioned to advance decarbonization through our commitment to electrification, delivering meaningful environmental and economic benefits," Republic President and CEO Jon Vander Ark says. "Our engagement with Oshkosh on the truck of the future will accelerate the transition of our fleet while providing advanced safety features and technology. We'll continue to invest in innovations that will help reduce emissions, benefit the environment and help our customers meet their own sustainability goals."

Two automated side-load prototypes for residential collections will hit the road in Phoenix this fall with additional vehicles planned in 2024 for locations including Santa Ana and Carlsbad, California, and the Portland, Oregon, area.

Republic says the recycling and waste collection business is well-suited for electric vehicles, with trucks operating consistent routes and returning to a base to recharge overnight. This new truck leverages Republic's environmental services leadership and Oshkosh's experience with heavy-duty EVs, including fire trucks, aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, defense vehicles, access equipment and concrete placement vehicles.

The company set a goal to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030 and says it is the only U.S. environmental services provider to have its emissions reduction target approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative.