Electric machines in waste and recycling

Volvo electric construction equipment

Electric waste and recycling

As an industry, waste and recycling is motivated towards working more sustainably. By embracing a system that focuses on reusing, reducing and recycling, it is empowered to work with nature and not against it. We match that ambition with zero-emission construction equipment that help customers deliver a circular economy approach across all their operations.

Our electric construction equipment not only has the power to ensure zero exhaust emissions and a reduced carbon impact, but it does so without compromising on performance.

The demanding applications within the waste and recycling industry mean customers need tools that ensure optimum efficiency, reliability and of course environment responsibility. Our large range of electric wheel loaders and excavators do just that, helping businesses move towards a cleaner, quieter and more productive future.

Our portfolio encompasses solutions dedicated to the sector, such as the grid-connected EW240 Electric material handler, designed specifically to work around the clock without any need to stop to recharge or refuel.

Switching to sustainable solutions in waste management and recycling applications makes sense for a number of reasons. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also promotes energy efficiency. It helps companies to comply with increasing air quality regulations and noise reduction targets. What is more, our innovative battery technology provides significant savings on fuel costs when compared to the operation of the machines’ traditional counterparts.

And thanks to zero exhaust emissions and near silence, our electric solutions allow for the opportunity to work both indoors and outdoors – a particular advantage for this segment. The added benefits of low maintenance and impressive torque mean they are built to last across a variety of tasks.

A commitment to sustainability means adopting a circular approach in all areas of a company’s operations. By putting electric construction equipment to work, together we can ensure an even more sustainable approach to waste and recycling.

Electric construction equipment is perfect for waste and recycling

Leading the change with Stena Recycling

Working with international player Stena Recycling, we are proving that electric construction equipment is the perfect solution to walking the talk in recycling applications. Together we are committed to building a better, more circular and sustainable future. And it is working. Over two years, our ECR25 Electric excavator has operated over 4,000 hours. And thanks to its high performance and reliable battery technology, it requires only quick breaks for charging, easily accessible on site. The result is that this small but mighty machine moves over 20 tonnes of recycled material every day. Replacing its diesel predecessor with ease has helped the customer reduce fuel costs, carbon emissions and vibrations while driving up efficiency and a more comfortable operation.

Reduction in energy costs and carbon emissions

The shift to electric has proved a gamechanger for Stena Recycling and a benefit to both their business and the environment. During its operation at Stena’s industrial plastic recycling facility in Sweden, the ECR25 Electric has reduced energy costs by 83% and cut CO₂ emissions by about 21 tonnes per year. And not only that, but with its zero exhaust emissions, it is the perfect choice for carrying out work indoors in the plant. Discover below why our customer believes electromobility is a “massive opportunity” for moving 3.6 million tonnes of material every year.

The power to generate energy from waste

Family-run Wiedag Recycling and Landfill opted for our L20 Electric wheel loader when it came to choosing a provider for electric operation. For this Swiss-based company, there is the added sustainability benefit of using a ‘waste-to-energy’ process on site to power the machine. It is a unique approach that allows the company to further reduce its environmental impact. The electricity comes from processing green waste brought to the site by its customers. And thanks to this sustainable power source, the company always has enough energy in the battery to carry out at least half a day’s work before a quick charge is needed. This project is proving the power and potential of a circular approach to waste and recycling.

How does an electric loader benefit waste management?

For Wiedag, the advantages are clear. As well as zero tailpipe emissions, near-silent operation and the same performance as a diesel machine, operating costs are also lower. Especially in this case with the machines being powered by self-producing electricity. It is a clear demonstration of how businesses can reduce their environmental impact whilst still maintaining high efficiency. What is more, Wiedag’s customers tell the firm that they are proud to be associated with such a forward-thinking company.

Charging electric construction

Charging solutions

Runtime calculator

Discover the runtime of an electric construction machine and which charger to choose

Runtime

Energy cost savings calculator

Learn how much you can save when you remove fuel costs

Energy

CO₂ savings calculator

Find out how much you could reduce your carbon footprint

CO₂

Benefits of electric construction equipment

We are leading the way with machines that allow customers to reduce fuel and upkeep costs, while creating a much more pleasant place to work. That is even before you consider the advantages of decreased noise pollution and enhanced efficiency. These eco-friendly solutions are also a great way to enhance your business - as they open up new opportunities such as working indoors or in low carbon areas. Discover how our zero emission solutions can help customers around the world meet their environmental objectives.

Benefits with electric construction

How much can you save with an electric loader?

Our L25 Electric wheel loader is proving just how much money and energy can be saved by switching to electric. After a two week period operating in two waste and recycling plants in Sweden, the zero-emission machine saved 250kg of CO₂ – equalling a potential saving of more than 6 tonnes of CO₂ if the project was extended over six months. Both plants saw an 86-87% saving in energy costs, thanks to the fact that charging was less than the cost of fuelling a diesel-powered machine.

What do customers in waste management say?

Amanda Sihvonen

Retuna

“It is really easy to operate. It is quiet in the cab and you can hear your co-workers over the radio, or a question from a customer easily. I was very surprised about the power of the machine. The charging is really no trouble at all. The machine lasts the entire day, even without charging.”

Poul Erik Jensen

Svendborg vand och affald

"The electric machine has proven to be somewhat stronger than the old diesel version, and I actually take my hat off for that, because I didn't expect that.” With a night's charging via the standard charger, there is enough power for a day's work. Nevertheless, Poul Erik has ordered a fast charger which will be able to charge the wheel loader to 100% in a few hours.

Marika Björnum

Stena Recycling

“Since our business is all about sustainability, we try our best to use machines that don’t rely on fossil fuels when possible. This machine is 100% electric. This means a CO₂ reduction of about 21 tonnes per year compared to a diesel machine. It is also more efficient with energy costs reduced by 83% per year.”

Electric at Stena Recycling

Electric material handler

Top three reasons for choosing electric material handler

Working round the clock

With a continuous cable connection, the near-silent EW240 Electric Material Handler can work round the clock without any need to stop for refueling or recharging.

Operator comfort

The electric material handler provides a reduction in noise, vibration and heat as well as zero exhaust fumes – creating a much more comfortable work environment.

New business opportunities

It is the perfect partner for indoor use or in waste and recycling applications, opening up new business opportunities for our customers.

Zero emission construction

Why go electric?

Partnering to reduce construction emissions

When our partner Heidelberg Materials, a global leader in building materials, wanted to electrify its fleets of machines, it looked to us to provide the net zero innovations. Our L120H Electric Conversion wheel loader will take on a key role in handling waste cycles on site across its Northern European operations. The collaboration is designed to put sustainability at the forefront. As an example of its ambition, waste not suitable for recycling is used as a fuel in cement production and can today substitute up to 90% of the traditional coal based fuel in production.

Volvo L25 Electric wheel loader in Berlin

Embracing electromobility to achieve climate goals

Helping to keep the streets of Berlin clean and clear is no easy task. But our electric technology s proving that a more sensitive operation means no compromise on performance. A fleet of nine zero-emission L25 Electric wheel loaders have been employed by Germany’s largest municipal waste management company Berliner Stradtreinigung (BSR) to remove snow and ice, while loading de-icing salt and gravel for the city’s grit spreaders. Our fast chargers have enabled the machines to fully charge in just two hours.

Berliner Stradtreinigung and L25 Electric

Our electric construction equipment

EC18 Electric

ECR18 Electric

ECR25 Electric

L20 Electric

L25 Electric

Electric construction equipment for every job

Utility

Electric utility works

Utility projects are essential to keeping our cities - and the people living and working within them - moving and thriving. But we don’t believe this has to come at the cost of public health. Instead we believe adopting environmentally friendly solutions like our zero emission machines is the most sustainable approach.

Electric utility works

Agriculture

Electric agriculture

Electric machines provide customers with all the advantages of a more sustainable operation while maintaining the high performance they need every single day across the many varied tasks in agriculture applications. And thanks to our range of charging solutions, downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.

Electric agriculture

Landscaping

Electric landscaping

Protecting our environment is essential to maintaining the health and wellbeing of not only ourselves - but nature itself. Zero-emission operation is therefore a clear winner when it comes to working more sustainably across landscaping applications. The lack of exhaust fumes is a benefit to people and plants.

Electric landscaping