HW Martin Waste Ltd has achieved spectacular increases in recycling rates since drafting its first five Mercedes-Benz Econic refuse trucks into service for local authorities in Derbyshire.
The seven-year contracts make the Alfreton-based specialist responsible for providing the authorities with a fully managed service covering the collection, sorting and recycling of all waste.
Supplied by East Midlands dealer Mertrux, the trucks are 6x2 Econic 2629LL models with mid-steer axles for optimum load distribution and superb ride quality.
Power for the new 26-tonners comes from 290hp engines that meet not only the Euro 5 emissions limit but also the more demanding - and voluntary - EEV standard. The Econic also features a user-friendly Allison six-speed automatic transmission while full air suspension front and rear makes for very quiet operation, a particular benefit when working in urban areas.
The trucks' 70:30 split Heil Twintrack compactor bodies offer high, 22m3 volume capacities to reflect the fact that much of the waste carried is light but bulky. They are fitted with triple Terberg Omnidel bin lifts.
Phil Darwin, Northern Area Operations Manager for HW Martin Waste, confirmed: "The Mercedes-Benz Econic is a premium product that offers excellent value for money. The standard axle weighing system was key to its appeal, while we were also impressed with the safety benefits offered by the bus-style door and low-entry cab - the deep, panoramic screen allows the driver and crew to see more of what's going on around them, whether on the road, or on the pavement."
The Mercedes-Benz Axle Load Indicator employs load sensors linked to the vehicle's individual axle airbags to monitor weight fluctuations through CANbus data. This can then be viewed on the dashboard display in three different forms: individual axle, all axles showing all weights, or all axles plus total vehicle weight.
The Econic's wide-opening door, meanwhile, is air-assisted and forward-folding, which is ideal in tight situations where obstructions such as street furniture can make conventional doors hazardous, costly and awkward to use. Occupant safety is a major benefit - linked to CANbus data, the door can only be opened while the vehicle is stationary, thus removing the temptation for crews to jump into or out of the cab while the vehicle is on the move.
HW Martin's new Econics are now serving more than 79,000 properties, after the authorities decided to introduce new materials to their collections with the aim of increasing recycling rates. Residents have been supplied with 240-litre wheeled bins which have main compartments for collecting dry recyclables such as cardboard, glass, plastic bottles, aerosols and cans, and 40-litre 'inner caddies' for paper.
"We have been delighted by the way that recycling material tonnage has shot up since the new system was introduced," said Phil Darwin. "In the first few weeks of operation we saw a 170 per cent increase on one particularly challenging round, while the average across the whole project shows a 90 per cent jump in recyclable tonnage. We are now moving 70 per cent more material with fewer vehicles."
HW Martin Waste Ltd is part of the multi-faceted HW Martin Group of Companies, which has been serving public and private customers nationwide for more than 30 years. In addition to waste recycling and management, its interests include traffic management and control, commercial and security fencing, and plant and vehicle supply and maintenance.