12
intouch 50 April 2022 Performance
intouch 50 April 2022 Performance
Electric vehicle trial
13
Shareholders Tour
Municipal Collections has been trialling an electric vehicle to collect Wiltshire residents’ rubbish as part of the company’s drive to reduce its carbon emissions. The initial data from the trial (see table below) shows the amount of electric battery energy that was used before recharging for the next day.
For the first time in several years, the shareholders were able to visit some of the company’s sites in person.
Richard Elson, an LGV Driver for Municipal Collections told us about his experience of driving the electric vehicle. “The household waste bins were able to be loaded onto the vehicle and emptied quicker, as the bins’ contents were packed down in the vehicle during driving, making the collection process quicker. The kerbside loaders and I found the electric vehicle to be a quiet and comfortable experience.”
On a beautiful morning in late September they visited the new materials recycling facility (MRF) at Sands Farm and Homes’ High Penn Park development in Calne. The next stop was The Paddocks housing site in Blunsdon before lunch in the Cotswold Water Park. In the afternoon they toured the proposed Airfield Quarry site near Down Ampney followed by the Cotswold Community extension to Shorncote Quarry. The day was capped off by an enjoyable dinner in Marlborough.
Henry Newbery Recycling Team Manager showing shareholders the MRF at Sands Farm.
Mike Hill, Chief Executive said: “It was fantastic to get the shareholders physically together and out to sites again, most of which they had only seen on slides during online presentations. Hopefully there won’t be such a long gap before we can do it again!”
Further data that was recorded during the trial will be evaluated to help inform opportunities and decisions for the company. Date
11 January
12 January
13 January
Hours Used
6.5
7
4.75
Kilometres
94
97
46
Miles
58
60
28.5
Number of bins lifted
454
560
533
Weight of waste collected (kg)
8,180
11,140
10,760
Amount of electric battery energy used
65%
75%
50%
Henry Hill during his work experience placement at Electra.
Electra, the manufacturer of the electric vehicle shown above, has recently provided a work experience placement to Henry Hill, son of Mike Hill, Chief Executive. Henry said: “I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to work with the team at Electra. I gained an understanding of what the design and manufacturing processes involve, and experienced their challenges first hand whilst designing a new way for 400kg batteries to be mounted to the chassis of a new electric truck.” He continued: “Most of my work was done using computer aided design software, and it was a massive help to have the workshop right next to me. I could step outside, look at a stripped down vehicle, and visualise how my new part will fit in with all the components around it. I got the chance to get my hands dirty, helping fit components to the redesigned internal configuration of the vehicles. I worked with some great people and I hope to spend more time with Electra in the future.”
Peter Andrew Group Director – Quarry Products addressing the shareholders at Hills’ Shorncote Quarry
Waste Solutions delivered for Swindon Town Ahead of its FA Cup third round match against Manchester City, Swindon Town Football Club requested two additional bins from Waste Solutions’ so the visiting team could use them for ice baths after the match. Despite the match being held in the first week of January, the ice baths were used to cool down the players after the unfortunate 4-1 defeat. It was great to support Swindon Town FC and watch them (on prime time TV!) take on Manchester City at the town’s County Ground.
