KEENAN Recycling, a food waste collection specialist, has unveiled what is being called Scotland’s first OEM (original equipment manufacturer) electric food waste collection vehicle.
Keenan, a Biffa company, said the new 20-tonne fully electric Renault Trucks D18 Wide chassis, fitted with a Macpac 110 food waste body, will operate across Glasgow and the central belt, collecting food waste with zero exhaust emissions. The vehicle represents a total investment of circa £460,000, supported by a £90,000 grant from Scottish Enterprise.
Unlike standard logistics EVs, the vehicle has been purpose-engineered to meet the requirements of food waste collections. The bespoke build was made possible through collaboration between Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, Macpac Refuse Bodies, Keenan Recycling, and Biffa, with the chassis manufactured in France and the body built in Belfast.
The project was spearheaded by Fergus Healy, former head of strategic development and net zero at Keenan Recycling, who led the funding process and cross-industry collaboration. He said, “This vehicle represents far more than new technology. It’s proof that ambition, collaboration and persistence can deliver real, practical change.
“Working closely with Scottish Enterprise, Renault Trucks, Macpac and our colleagues at Biffa, we were able to secure funding and overcome complex engineering challenges to bring Keenan’s first ever electric food waste truck to life. It’s a huge step forward in supporting our net zero strategy and setting a blueprint for future decarbonisation.”
Darren Judd, head of fleet development at Biffa, added, “At Biffa we are strong believers in decarbonising our fleet and reducing emissions from road transport. Specialist waste vehicles are not standard logistics trucks. They require extensive modification to achieve the payloads, ranges and operational performance we need.”
