Adur & Worthing Councils cut their waste fleet emissions with cleaner fuel
Released: Wednesday, 11 February 2026
We've significantly reduced the carbon emissions of our waste and recycling fleet by making the switch to a renewable, cleaner fuel.
Since July 2025, our trucks have been running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) - a renewable, synthetic fuel made from waste materials like animal fats and used vegetable oils.
It's estimated the switch from diesel has cut carbon emissions from the waste and recycling service by up to 90%. Previously they had accounted for around a third of our total carbon emissions.
We switched to the fuel as part of our wider commitment to reduce our carbon emissions and the environmental impact of our frontline services, while also maintaining a reliable collection service for residents.
Most of the current waste and recycling trucks were purchased in 2017 and are due for replacement this year. Combined, our waste and recycling trucks cover more than 280,000 miles each year to empty residents' bins, and are therefore in need of regular services and replacement to ensure they remain reliable for residents.
We've purchased eight new trucks that will run on the sustainable fuel, and they will replace some of our oldest collection vehicles in the next few months.
We'll also be taking delivery of our first new electric truck very soon. A phased roll-out of electric trucks is giving us the time to make the changes necessary at the depot and vehicle workshop to accommodate the new technology.
Our approach is allowing us to make significant carbon reductions now, rather than waiting for new technology to become cost-effective, while also ensuring our waste and recycling collection services remain dependable for residents.
We expect to invest in more replacement trucks over the next two years.
Councillor Andy Harvey, Adur's cabinet member for the environment and leisure, said:
“The introduction of HVO as an interim measure on our way to electrification of our waste fleet has been a significant move. It allows us to make immediate, substantial carbon savings while continuing to invest in proven, reliable vehicles that meet the demands of our services. We will continue to monitor and adopt electric and other low-carbon technologies as they become viable for large-scale use.”
Councillor Vicki Wells, Worthing's cabinet member for environmental services, said:
“Switching our waste and recycling fleet to HVO has delivered huge carbon savings immediately. Investing in this proven technology allows us to continue delivering a reliable service for residents.
“We are committed to expanding our electric vehicle fleet and preparing our depot infrastructure for future charging, so we are ready to move further and faster as electric technology develops.”
Domestic food waste collections will begin in Adur and Worthing later this year, with funding from central government being used to help pay for ten new 7.5-tonne vehicles.
To find out more about our fleet replacement strategy, see:
Photo: New waste and recycling fleet
(PR26-018)
Page last updated: 17 February 2026