Mid and East Antrim Residents to Benefit from Council’s Vehicle Replacement Investment

TL;DR:
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has introduced new refuse collection vehicles under a 7-year replacement programme. The scheme will reduce costs, improve safety, and support the borough’s environmental goals.

Council Launches 7-Year Vehicle Replacement Programme

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has taken delivery of a new fleet of refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) as part of its long-term investment strategy to improve efficiency, staff safety, and environmental performance.

The comprehensive 7-year vehicle replacement programme will phase out older, less reliable vehicles and replace them with modern, eco-friendly alternatives. The initiative is designed to:

• Deliver long-term savings by reducing repair costs and fuel consumption.
• Improve reliability and service delivery for residents and businesses.
• Enhance health and safety for frontline waste collection teams.
• Support the Council’s Climate Action Plan through lower emissions.

Mayor Highlights Importance of Investment

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, praised the initiative, stating:

“A modern, well-maintained fleet of RCVs is essential for delivering consistent and high-quality waste collection services for residents and businesses. This investment also supports our frontline staff by providing safer, more reliable vehicles and ensures we can meet future service demands flexibly.”

Safety and Technology Upgrades

The new fleet of RCVs includes the latest safety features such as:

• 360-degree cameras
• Enhanced braking systems
• Ergonomic cab designs

These upgrades are expected to reduce workplace injuries, improve driver comfort, and minimise road incidents.

Environmental Benefits for the Borough

In line with the Council’s Climate Action Plan, the replacement vehicles include low-emission and alternative fuel models, some of which can run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and other sustainable technologies.

This transition will help reduce the borough’s carbon footprint, improve air quality, and contribute to a healthier environment for residents.