Hyndburn Council has unveiled five new refuse collection vehicles to its fleet, all of which run on hydro treated vegetable oil.
This innovative step is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Using HVO means that when the new vehicles are in use they have the potential to reduce CO2 emission by up to 90% compared to using diesel fuel, significantly contributing to the Council’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030.
In addition to the new vehicles, two existing refuse collection vehicles have been rebranded to promote the Council’s free bulky waste collection service. This service allows residents to dispose of up to six bulky items per month at no cost. Items eligible for collection include bed bases and mattresses, sofas and chairs, carpets, bikes and prams, white goods, TVs and other electrical items, dining tables and various other timber and metal items.
The free service operates five days a week, with each vehicle capable of handling up to 30 collections per day. Last year alone, the service successfully collected approximately 30,000 items across 15,000 visits, ensuring that everything that can be recycled is processed in collaboration with organisations across East Lancashire.
Councillor Stewart Eaves, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said: “We are thrilled to introduce these new eco-friendly vehicles to our fleet. This helps us reduce our carbon footprint and supports our broader environmental goals.
‘’Our free bulky waste collection service is a fantastic resource for residents, making it easier for them to dispose of large items responsibly. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this service and join us in our efforts to create a cleaner, greener Hyndburn.”
Hyndburn Council also urges residents to avoid fly-tipping, which poses significant environmental hazards and detracts from the beauty of our community. By utilising the free bulky waste collection service, residents can ensure their unwanted items are disposed of safely and responsibly.
Fly-tipping is not only illegal but also unnecessary given the convenient and eco-friendly options available through the Council’s services. The Council can and will issue fixed penalty notices to those caught fly tipping.
The Council also launched its new refuse collection calendar this week, distributed to all 37,000 homes across the borough, helping residents ensure the right bin is put out on the right collection day.
For more information on how to book a bulky waste collection, please visit https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/bulky-waste-collections/