Cleaner, safer, greener: Mid & East Antrim Council upgrades RCV fleet in major investment

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, is pictured with Shaun Morley, Interim Operations Director, with some the new vehicles under the replacement scheme.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has taken delivery of several new refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) as part of its ambitious 7-year vehicle replacement programme, designed to improve service reliability, reduce environmental impact, and enhance staff safety.

The initiative forms a key part of the Council’s long-term strategy to achieve greater economic efficiency and sustainability, while ensuring that frontline waste collection services continue to meet the needs of residents and businesses across the borough.

Delivering savings and efficiency

The structured replacement cycle is expected to deliver significant financial benefits, cutting maintenance costs, fuel consumption, and repair frequency.

By phasing out older, less efficient vehicles, the Council aims to achieve long-term savings and improved value for money for ratepayers.

The programme also provides a more predictable approach to financial planning and asset management, helping the Council maintain a reliable and responsive service.

Safety and service at the forefront

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, is pictured with Shaun Morley, Interim Operations Director, with some the new vehicles under the replacement scheme.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the investment, describing the move as crucial for both service users and frontline staff.

He said:

“A modern, well-maintained fleet of RCVs is essential for delivering consistent and high-quality waste collection services for our residents and the businesses we service.

“It is also an important investment in the equipment that we provide for our staff that are on the frontline of delivering these vital services – and reflects a proactive approach to creating a safer working environment for our waste collection teams.

“The replacement programme ensures that vehicles are fit for purpose and safe, reducing the risk of service disruption due to mechanical failure.

“It also enables the Council to respond more flexibly to future service demands and legislative changes.”

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, is pictured with (L-R) Neil Patrick,  Waste Operations Manager, and Shaun Morley, Interim Operations Director with some the new vehicles under the replacement scheme.

The upgraded fleet includes vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras, enhanced braking systems and ergonomic cab designs, all aimed at reducing workplace injuries and improving road safety.

Supporting climate action

In addition to safety and cost benefits, the new RCVs are designed with sustainability in mind. Many of the vehicles can run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and other alternative fuels, helping to cut emissions and support the Council’s Climate Action Plan.

By incorporating low-emission technologies, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is working to reduce its carbon footprint, improve air quality, and contribute to a healthier local environment.

The Council has committed to phasing out older, less efficient vehicles over the coming years, replacing them with modern models that balance performance with environmental responsibility.