Lewes District Council has been recognised for its innovative approach to sustainable waste collection, winning the Grounds Maintenance & Waste Management Award at the national IVECO Mission Awards. The accolade highlights the council’s pioneering efforts to decarbonise its fleet while maintaining high operational performance.
The IVECO Mission Awards celebrate the most capable and forward-thinking vehicles on UK roads, and Lewes District Council stood out for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The authority recently introduced five IVECO eDaily electric rubbish collectors to its street cleansing team. These vehicles operate without diesel fuel, yet continue to provide the reliability and performance required to empty litter bins and maintain public spaces 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 electric vehicles were also praised by judges for their unique build and striking livery. Designed with safety in mind, the vans feature 360-degree camera systems and safety guards to protect operators and the public.
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. Lewes District Council’s achievement highlights how local authorities can lead the way in adopting clean, innovative technology while continuing to deliver essential public services.
