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CU С����Ƶ is set to receive its first battery-electric trash truck, made possible by a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The CDPHE approved the university’s application to the��, awarding $208,500 toward the purchase of the truck, which costs $500,937.

Facilities Management signed the purchase order on April 17, with the truck expected to be delivered within 12–18 months. This electric trash truck will be the first of its kind in Facilities Management’s fleet, replacing one of the existing diesel trucks, which will be decommissioned in accordance with the grant’s stipulations. The purchase builds on other efforts to electrify the overall campus fleet, including in Transportation Services where four electric Buff Buses are in service, with another four set to arrive by the end of 2025.

"This is an important step for CU С����Ƶ in our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint,” Chancellor Justin Schwartz said. “The introduction of the battery electric trash truck not only aligns with our��Climate Action Plan goals but also sets a precedent for future advancements in our fleet."

Currently, the solid waste and recycling collections fleet at CU С����Ƶ consists of three box trucks, two rear load trucks and two front load trucks. The new EV truck will primarily be used to collect cardboard, which will then be delivered to the С����Ƶ County Recycling Center.

“CU С����Ƶ aims to integrate sustainability into every aspect of campus life, from preparing our students for sustainability careers to groundbreaking research to our operations,” Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock said. “The ongoing electrification of our campus fleet is just one of many examples of how we’re taking action now to achieve our vision of a carbon-neutral future for the campus.”

Constructed by Battle Motors, based in New Philadelphia, Ohio, the truck boasts a single-charge operating range of 130 highway miles or 150 city miles. The addition of this truck is expected to reduce annual diesel fuel consumption by approximately 1,200 gallons. While the electric truck will look similar to the existing trash trucks, it will feature an enhanced safety system that makes noise when turning and driving in reverse.

“The CU community eagerly anticipates the arrival of this innovative vehicle, marking a significant milestone in CU С����Ƶ's journey toward a greener future,” Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience Chris Ewing said. “This initiative underscores CU С����Ƶ's dedication to sustainability and sets a positive example for other institutions to follow.”

The announcement of the electric trash truck purchase follows several other recent sustainability initiatives:

• East Campus solar array groundbreaking
• ENVD building energy-efficient window retrofit
• STARS Gold rating achieved