Council wins prestigious industry award for sustainable waste collections

Lewes District Council has scooped the Grounds Maintenance & Waste Management Award at a national vehicle industry awards ceremony, recognising the authority’s pioneering efforts to decarbonise its fleet.

​The IVECO (Industry Vehicle Corporation) Mission Awards celebrate the most capable and innovative IVECO vehicles on UK roads. Lewes District Council stood out to the judging panel for its commitment to environmental sustainability - specifically for the introduction of five IVECO eDaily rubbish collectors which maintain high performance without the need for diesel fuel. The vehicles have been deployed to the council’s street cleansing team who empty litter bins and keep public areas clean across the district.

​Councillor Wendy Maples, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Wellbeing, said: "Winning this award is a fantastic endorsement of our commitment to a cleaner, greener district. Integrating these state-of-the-art electric vehicles into our waste management operations is a significant step towards our goal of becoming a carbon neutral local authority.

​"I'm really proud of the fleet team's creative thinking and determination. We are leading the way in sustainable waste collection, providing an emission-free service for our residents. These clever vehicles prove that we don't have to compromise on power or reliability to be environmentally responsible."

Supplied by Northern Commercials, the vehicles were praised by judges for their unique build and striking livery. Designed with safety at their core, the vans are equipped with 360-degree camera systems and safety guards.

​The awards ceremony brought together over 150 industry guests to celebrate excellence across the full IVECO range, from 3.5-tonne vans to 44-tonne trucks.