City of Long Beach Deploys First-Ever Zero-Emissions Collections Trucks in New Pilot Program

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has deployed its first two electric collections trucks, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more sustainable solid waste collections. The Zero-Emissions Collections Pilot Program is designed to evaluate the feasibility of transitioning to a fully zero-emission fleet in the years ahead.

"This pilot reflects the City's commitment to climate action and innovation," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "We're excited to be a leader in this effort and explore how electric collections trucks can help reduce emissions, improve air quality and modernize City services."

The pilot, which began Thursday, April 23, has deployed two electric collections trucks in real-world operations-a larger truck operating on standard routes and a smaller truck running primarily in alleys. The program is currently limited to these two vehicles so the City can evaluate their performance before considering expansion in the future. This approach ensures that regular daily collection operations can continue without disruption while the new technology is tested to withstand the high demands of daily collection. The pilot will continue until enough operational data has been collected to support a full evaluation.

To fully understand how electric refuse trucks perform compared to the City's current compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet, the pilot will evaluate several key metrics. These include the total tonnage each truck can carry before needing to unload, how long each vehicle can operate on a single charge and whether the trucks can complete their assigned routes without interruption. Staff will also monitor for any unforeseen technical issues related to the new technology. These data points will help determine whether zero-emission trucks can meet the same operational demands as the existing CNG fleet before the City considers broader fleet replacement.

Transitioning the City's entire collections fleet to zero-emission vehicles also presents significant logistical and financial considerations. The electric charging infrastructure for a full fleet of 89+ refuse trucks-which would replace the City's current gas-powered fleet-is a complex undertaking.

"I was proud to lead City Council on this effort to encourage the kind of forward-thinking investment our city needs to plan for a more sustainable future," said Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen. "By testing zero-emissions collections trucks in real-world conditions, we're taking a practical, data-driven approach to reducing emissions while still prioritizing providing first-rate services for our residents."

"Exploring zero-emissions technology for our collections fleet is an important step toward improving air quality and modernizing essential City services," said Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga. "This pilot will help us better understand how to scale these efforts in a way that is both operationally effective and fiscally responsible."

The pilot program, a joint venture between the City's Fleet Services Bureau and Energy & Environmental Services Department, is designed to answer practical questions about the day-to-day viability of electric collections trucks. It reflects the City's commitment to thoughtful, data-driven implementation amid evolving regulatory requirements under the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) mandate.

"This pilot program represents an exciting opportunity to explore how electric collections trucks could support our City's sustainability goals and operational needs," said Bob Dowell, Director of Energy & Environmental Services. "While we're encouraged by the benefits, like reduced emissions, the data we gather during this trial period will help us determine the next steps based on operational and logistical needs."

This pilot, which aligns with recommendations outlined in the June 2024 City's Fleet Impacts and Accelerated Transition to Zero-Emissions EV Refuse Trucks memo, is in direct response to City Council direction to explore and pursue strategies to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles for private and city-owned refuse truck identify public funding opportunities, evaluate fiscal impacts, plan for proactive fleet turnover based on technology availability, support local jobs and prepare for long-term charging infrastructure needs. This item was brough forward by Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen and co-sponsored by Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga.

The recommendation also notes that carrying out the strategies will require coordination across operational departments and additional analysis for future Council consideration.

For more information on collections services, visit longbeach.gov/lbrecycles.

About the City of Long Beach

Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-with Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Department of Energy and Environmental Services, visit longbeach.gov/ees and follow @LBRecycles on Facebook and Instagram.

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