Dubai rolls out first fully electric waste collection vehicle, running 16 hours a day

Dubai Municipality has introduced its first fully electric vehicle dedicated to the collection and transport of general waste. The Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on November 8 that the move marks a significant step in modernising city cleaning operations and adopting innovative technologies across municipal services.

Three batteries, room for 11 tonnes of compressed waste

The electric compactor runs entirely on electrical energy stored in three high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries with a combined weight of approximately 2.2 tonnes. The vehicle has a total waste storage capacity of 19 cubic metres and can carry up to 11 tonnes of compressed waste. It is scheduled to operate across two shifts, totalling 16 hours per day.

Saeed Safar, Director of the Waste Operations Department at Dubai Municipality, said introducing the electric vehicle represents a significant step in modernising the municipality's fleet and improving the operational efficiency of public cleaning services. The initiative also aligns with the Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2041, which aims to reduce waste generation by 18% and divert 100% of waste from landfills by 2041.