Republic Services targets 200 electric vehicles for U.S. fleet by year's end

In a recent work session held at Corvallis City Hall, city council members engaged in a forward-looking discussion about the potential integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the city’s waste management fleet. The meeting highlighted the ambitious plans of Republic Services, a major waste management company, to expand its electric truck fleet across the country, with a goal of having 200 EVs operational by the end of the year.

As the conversation unfolded, representatives from Republic Services emphasized the importance of early partnerships with cities like Corvallis to align with sustainability goals. They noted that the company is currently operating EVs in select locations, including Bend and Salem, and is actively seeking to expand its presence in Oregon. The first truck off the assembly line has already been deployed in Louisville, Colorado, marking a significant step in the transition from pilot programs to full-scale operations.

Council members were presented with the financial implications of adopting EVs for waste collection. It was estimated that integrating nine electric trucks into Corvallis’s residential waste management could cost households approximately $5 per month. However, this figure could potentially decrease to around $2.50 per month if costs were shared across both residential and commercial services. The representatives acknowledged the higher initial costs of EVs, which are about twice as expensive as traditional trucks, but highlighted the long-term benefits, including reduced noise and improved safety in neighborhoods.

The discussion also touched on the broader context of climate initiatives, with Republic Services expressing a commitment to ensure that 50% of their new truck purchases by 2028 will be electric. This ambitious target reflects a growing trend in the waste management industry towards sustainability and innovation.

As the meeting concluded, council members were left with a sense of opportunity. The potential partnership with Republic Services could not only enhance the city’s environmental efforts but also pave the way for a more sustainable future in waste management. The council is expected to deliberate further on this proposal, weighing the costs against the benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles in the coming months.