In Türkiye, steps are being observed at some municipalities and waste management companies toward the use of electric garbage trucks and compact electric waste collection vehicles. These vehicles are emphasized as having the potential to reduce noise pollution and local emissions compared with conventional diesel trucks.
Sectoral and Technical Structure
Electric waste collection vehicles are designed with components such as a battery-supported electric motor, a compact structure, and a modular waste container superstructure. For example, a domestic manufacturer introduces a model featuring a 100% electric motor, an aluminum superstructure, and a compact structure that provides maneuverability in narrow areas. This approach aims to offer ease of use in narrow urban streets while also reducing vibration and noise levels.
Some models also include hydraulic systems integrated into the electric chassis and automatic container emptying mechanisms. Such technical infrastructures aim to provide operational flexibility and ease of maintenance.
Environmental and Operational Efficiency
International studies show that fully electric garbage truck fleets can achieve significant reductions in both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional diesel vehicles.
At the same time, the quiet operation of electric waste collection vehicles offers important advantages in scenarios such as night operations, services in narrow streets, or cleaning in sensitive areas.
Local Applications and the Türkiye Context
In Türkiye, some manufacturers are developing electric garbage collection vehicles for municipal service fleets. For example, an ABC-branded model is introduced with a 100% electric motor, compact structure, and aluminum superstructure.
However, based on publicly available data, information on the nationwide prevalence of such electric vehicles—such as fleet distribution, share in waste collection operations, or usage rates—appears limited. There is currently no detailed report in official public statistics regarding the prevalence of electric garbage trucks; therefore, usage should be conveyed with the general expression that it is “becoming more widespread.”
International Trend and Electric Garbage Trucks in the Context of Sustainable Waste Management
In cities and waste management companies abroad, electric garbage trucks are increasingly being preferred as an alternative in terms of fleet optimization, route planning, and energy and emissions efficiency.
This trend is developing in parallel with policies aimed at reducing air pollution, noise, and dependence on fossil fuels, particularly in urban areas.
Sectoral Situation
It is observed that steps are being taken in Türkiye toward the development and use of electric garbage trucks and compact electric waste collection vehicles, and that these vehicles technically offer advantages such as quiet operation, low emissions, and ease of maneuvering in urban waste collection operations. However, the lack of comprehensive publicly available statistics on the prevalence, fleet ratios, and operational scope of such vehicles means that sectoral assessments are still partly based on manufacturer statements and international trends.
