A fleet of innovative recycling vehicles has been introduced in North Devon, highlighting significant advancements in sustainable waste management.
- North Devon has received 16 state-of-the-art kerbside recycling vehicles to enhance weekly collections district-wide.
- These vehicles, manufactured by Romaquip, are part of a seven-year contract with Specialist Fleet Services (SFS).
- The vehicles feature ergonomic designs, with seven compartments to optimise recycling processes directly from households in North Devon.
- Leadership in North Devon Council views this initiative as a critical step towards eco-friendly waste management and community sustainability.
In North Devon, the introduction of 16 new kerbside recycling vehicles underscores a commitment to advancing sustainable waste management. This fleet, designed and manufactured by Romaquip, will facilitate more efficient weekly collections across the entire district of North Devon.
This strategic acquisition is part of a seven-year contractual agreement with Specialist Fleet Services (SFS), which focuses on the supply and management of over 200 vehicles. The selection of these vehicles was a collaborative effort involving North Devon Council and Somerset West and Taunton Council, commenced in September 2021.
The Romaquip Kerb-Sort vehicles boast an ergonomic design aimed at maximising the variety and volume of recyclable materials collected directly from residences. Each vehicle is equipped with seven fully enclosed compartments, which reduce the risk of litter and enable the meticulous separation of different material categories. Furthermore, these compartments are designed to allow simultaneous loading from both sides when safe to do so, while maximising space by compacting plastics, cans, and cardboard automatically.
Councillor Ian Roome, the Leader of North Devon Council, expressed a positive outlook regarding this development, stating, “The arrival of our new fleet marks a significant step in our commitment to sustainability. These vehicles enhance our recycling efforts, ensuring a more efficient and eco-friendly collection process for the benefit of our community and the environment.” Such sentiment is shared by Bob Sweetland, MD of SFS, who highlighted the fleet’s potential to maximise recycling collection in a safe and efficient manner.
Matt Patanden, UK sales manager for Romaquip, reiterated the company’s enthusiasm and gratitude for supplying the vehicles, acknowledging both North Devon Council and SFS as longstanding customers. He affirmed that these vehicles, part of Romaquip’s 2024 range, are configured to address evolving recycling habits, thereby ensuring the durability and future-proofing of collection processes.
This initiative is embedded within SFS’s broader strategic framework, coinciding with its 30-year anniversary. Known for its nationwide network of workshops and specialist vehicle hire division, CTS Hire, the company has established itself as a leader in fleet and workshop management solutions tailored for UK local authorities.
North Devon’s new recycling fleet exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable waste management, set to benefit both the community and the environment.
