Emterra Environmental is redefining waste collection with North America's largest fully electric fleet of refuse and recycling trucks - powered by clean electricity and made possible through incentives from the Province and BC Hydro.
Now operating eight electric Mack LR trucks in the Comox Valley, Emterra Environmental's fleet reflects a successful public-private partnership that's accelerating B.C.'s shift from diesel to electric in one of the province's most energy-intensive sectors. The transition was made possible through the provincial zero-emission vehicle rebates and the BC Hydro EV Fleet Program, that provides study funding and incentives of up to 50% of electrical infrastructure costs for the fleet chargers.
"Emterra's electric fleet marks a major leap in sustainable waste management in B.C. and Canada," says Adrian Dix, B.C.'s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. "This initiative shows what's possible when companies are supported with the right infrastructure, funding and expertise - ambitious sustainability goals become reality."
Each truck can travel more than 100 kilometres on a single charge and recharge in just 90 minutes. The fleet is expected to cut annual carbon emissions by 480 tonnes - equal to removing over 100 cars from the road.
To support the trucks, Emterra Environmental installed six high-speed chargers and smart energy management software that shifts charging to off-peak hours. The Cumberland site is one of Emterra Environmental's 18 material recovery facilities across Canada and now serves as a clean energy model for future operations.
The Cumberland site operates as a regional recycling plant that also takes in recyclables from commercial businesses and other waste management haulers. After running a one-electric-truck pilot program in Ontario, Emterra Environmental chose B.C. for a full fleet conversion based on policy, funding and expertise available to accelerate the transition.
"Our commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action is not a choice, it's a necessity," says Emmie Leung, founder and CEO of Emterra Group. "We are thrilled to be leading the charge in electrified waste transportation technology. But this project was made viable only because of the layered approach to funding and collaboration in B.C. We don't yet see this kind of support in other provinces."
Emterra Environmental has also completed an integrated feasibility study, supported by BC Hydro, to explore future battery storage systems for on-site backup power, ensuring the facility remains resilient and scalable for future energy needs and is now looking at fleet electrification in the Lower Mainland.
"Emterra is redefining what's possible in a fossil fuel-dependent industry by adopting zero-emission vehicles and smart charging solutions," says Chris O'Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "We're proud to recognize Emterra as a Clean Energy Champion and to support B.C. businesses as they move toward a cleaner, more resilient future."
For their commitment to energy conservation and sustainability, BC Hydro has awarded Emterra Environmental the Clean Energy Champion designation. BC Hydro is accepting nominations from B.C. residents, businesses, municipalities, or Indigenous and community groups that have taken steps to lower their carbon footprint and adopt new clean energy technologies. If you or someone you know is a Clean Energy Champion, nominate them at bchydro.com/cleanenergychampions.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468
