Scotland’s first OEM electric food waste truck launches as Keenan Recycling accelerates net zero ambitions
Keenan Recycling, a Biffa company and one of the UK’s leading food waste collection specialists, has unveiled Scotland’s first OEM (original equipment manufacturer) electric food waste collection vehicle, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition to low-carbon waste infrastructure.
The new 20-tonne fully electric Renault Trucks D18 Wide chassis, fitted with a specialist Macpac 110 food waste body, will operate across Glasgow and the Central Belt, collecting food waste with zero exhaust emissions. The vehicle represents a total investment of circa £460,000, supported by a £90,000 grant from Scottish Enterprise.
Built for real-world food waste collections
Unlike standard logistics EVs, the vehicle has been purpose-engineered to meet the demanding requirements of food waste collections. It features:
* Four 94kWh batteries (300kWh usable energy)
* Real-world range of just under 180km per charge
* Special battery relocation behind the cab to allow a side-loader food waste body
* Plated at 20 tonnes (18t with 2t dispensation) delivering an estimated 6.5-tonne payload
* 100% electric drivetrain with zero tailpipe emissions
The bespoke build was made possible through close collaboration between Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, Macpac Refuse Bodies, Keenan Recycling, and Biffa, with the chassis manufactured in France and the body built in Belfast.
Championing the project from concept to road
The project was spearheaded by Fergus Healy, former Head of Strategic Development and Net Zero at Keenan Recycling, who led the funding process and cross-industry collaboration.
Fergus Healy said: “This vehicle represents far more than new technology. It’s proof that ambition, collaboration and persistence can deliver real, practical change. Working closely with Scottish Enterprise, Renault Trucks, Macpac and our colleagues at Biffa, we were able to secure funding and overcome complex engineering challenges to bring Keenan’s first ever electric food waste truck to life. It’s a huge step forward in supporting our Net Zero strategy and setting a blueprint for future decarbonisation.”
Backed by Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Enterprise played a key role in enabling the project through capital funding support, helping de-risk early adoption of zero-emission heavy vehicles in Scotland’s waste sector.
Ian Carstairs, Sustainability Team Leader at Scottish Enterprise, said: “This project highlights the important role that targeted capital investment in innovation can play in building the low-carbon economy of the future and shows how real environmental and operational benefits can be delivered through collaboration between ambitious businesses, industry and the public sector.”
Collaborative effort across industry
Darren Judd, Head of Fleet Development at Biffa, said: “At Biffa we are strong believers in decarbonising our fleet and reducing emissions from road transport. Specialist waste vehicles are not standard logistics trucks. They require extensive modification to achieve the payloads, ranges and operational performance we need.
“Working in partnership with Renault Trucks, Macpac and Keenan Recycling has been critical in making this vehicle viable and in helping both organisations move closer to our Net Zero ambitions,” he added.
Aaron Davison, Sales Engineer – Electromobility, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “It’s great to see the E-Tech D Wide on the road with Keenan Recycling. The side-mounted battery configuration was a first for Renault Trucks in the UK, and demonstrates the strong collaboration between our teams, working together with Macpac and Biffa to deliver the right vehicle solution for food waste collection. With zero tailpipe emissions, low noise and excellent manoeuvrability, it is ideal for operating in busy urban environments while delivering significant CO₂ reduction compared to diesel.”
“Macpac has supplied Keenan Recycling with specialist food waste vehicles since 2012, delivering 76 vehicles to date. This project was a significant step forward, adapting our Macpac 110 body to suit an electric Renault Trucks chassis. We’re extremely proud to see this vehicle operating in Scotland, collecting food waste with zero exhaust emissions,” said David Hyde, Sales Manager, Macpac Refuse Bodies.
James McCormick, Production Manager, Macpac Refuse Bodies, added: “This is a landmark moment for Keenan and for us. As Keenans have grown, so have we. Moving from diesel to CNG and now to EV reflects both companies’ commitment to innovation. This vehicle is highly usable, economical, and sets a strong foundation for future electric builds.”
Keenan’s growing low-carbon fleet
The EV joins Keenan Recycling’s expanding low-emission fleet, which already includes biofuel, CNG and Hydrogen+HVO-ready vehicles, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable waste collection.
Grant Keenan, Managing Director of Keenan Recycling, said: “It’s fantastic to receive this vehicle from Renault Trucks and Macpac. This puts us firmly on the path to Net Zero and shows what’s possible when the right partners come together. We’re proud to be part of the Biffa group and proud to be leading this change in Scotland.”
Michael Paul, Operations Director, Keenan Recycling, said: “This is a major operational step towards securing a Net Zero future. We’re excited to see the vehicle deployed across Glasgow and the Central Belt, and it clearly demonstrates our commitment to supporting a circular economy across our operational footprint.”