From today, (Tuesday, 23 December), rubbish collection from Byron Shire Council’s CBD, parks and reserves in the Byron Bay town centre will be emission-free thanks to the trial of a new Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric vehicle.

The vehicle, operated by Solo Resource Recovery, Council’s waste collection contractor, will start collecting waste from the public areas of the Byron CBD and parks. 

The trial is planned for an initial three-week period, with a view to extending the trial, depending on the outcome.

The truck is one of only a handful of hydrogen-powered electric vehicles of its kind in NSW and will operate around Byron Bay CBD. 

The data gathered through this trial will help to inform how Council may move away from diesel-fuelled trucks and into more renewable energy in the future.

Danielle Hanigan, Manager Resource Recovery, said Council was keen to explore the potential of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles as part of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and impact on the environment.

“The vehicles is the same size as a normal waste truck, but it looks different and is branded as a hydrogen vehicle, so it won’t be hard to miss,” Ms Hanigan said.

“We are the first Council in the Northern Rivers to trial a hydrogen-powered truck, and the busy Byron Bay town centre will be a good test of its range and performance, especially at this time of year.

“Council is investing in electric vehicles, including trucks, as part of its own fleet and we are very keen to see, first-hand, the potential of hydrogen as an alternative to traditional diesel-powered trucks.

“The environmental benefits are front-of-mind for Council, but this truck will also be much quieter in the street so there will be less noise pollution,” Ms Hanigan said.

The truck is managed by Solo Resource Recovery.