New council fleet strengthens waste and street cleansing services

Funded through Harborough District Council's approved capital programme, the new vehicles replace ageing operational equipment used to deliver essential environmental services. 

The investment will improve fleet reliability, reduce maintenance requirements and help support the day-to-day delivery of waste collection and street cleansing services across the district. 

The fleet provides council teams with modern, safer equipment and strengthens the capacity to maintain these services for residents in the years ahead. 

New refuse collection vehicles 

The council has taken delivery of the following Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicles (RCVs): 

• 1x18-tonne Rural RCV 
• 6x26-tonne RCVs 
• 1x26-tonne Trade Waste RCV 
• 6x32-tonne RCVs 

These vehicles will be deployed on the district's main collection rounds and will enter service shortly. 

New street cleansing vehicles 

To support the council's street cleansing operations, the following Scarab sweepers have also been added to the fleet: 

• 1 x Compact Mechanical Sweeper 
• 1 x Chassis-mounted Large Mechanical Sweeper 

An additional large mechanical sweeper is due to arrive within the next four weeks. 

The new sweepers will help support the council's ongoing programme of street cleansing across the district and will enter service shortly. 

While the new fleet is diesel-powered, this remains the most practical and cost-effective solution for operational requirements. The geographical size of the district, the distances travelled and the location of disposal facilities mean a fully electric fleet is not currently a viable option for service delivery. 

However, the council has sought to reduce fuel consumption where possible. The new refuse collection vehicles have been fitted with electric lifting equipment, reducing the need for the diesel engine to power lifting operations and helping to improve fuel efficiency during collections. 

Members of Harborough District Youth Council were asked to choose fun names for the refuse lorries, incorporating animals native to the area. Chosen names include William the Woodpecker, Alfie the Adder, Hannah the Hedgehog and Barry the Bat. 

Cllr David Page, Cabinet Lead for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Waste collection and street cleansing are among the services residents rely on every day, and it is important that we have the right equipment in place to deliver them effectively. 

“Following a change of administration earlier this year, additional budget provision has been made to provide further investment into the fleet to fully meet the needs and priorities of neighbourhoods across the district. 

“This investment will support the continued delivery of these essential services and provide our operational teams with modern vehicles that are fit for purpose for many years to come.”