Arco Replaces Noisy Waste Van With Electric Collection Vehicle

Relax, no more jarring awakenings early in the morning for the residents of the historic centers of Arco and its hamlets. In a few days, the noisy Ape, the outdated van that at dawn rattles through alleys and narrow streets to collect household refuse, will finally be eliminated.

In its place, a cutting-edge vehicle, completely silent with an electric motor. The periodic protests and the inevitable curses from people disturbed from their last restorative morning nap by the clattering of the “three-wheeler” will finally cease. The new battery-powered truck has been purchased by the giunta del C9 and will be assigned to Arco within the week.

If the work tests conducted a few months ago are confirmed, a similar vehicle will be made available to other municipal administrations within the Busa area dealing with the challenges of narrow, historic streets. The regional technicians favor electric traction not just for eliminating noise from traditional combustion engines.

Performance and benefits of the electric vehicle

Strangely enough, the van has demonstrated equal, if not better, performance than the Ape, making its way easily up steep, narrow streets, such as those in the Stranforio district. Another advantage is the greater load capacity, which shortens collection times and reduces costs.

The environmental councilor, Fabrizio Miori, who has been working for months to transform the urban sanitation service, is promoting the introduction of electric motors in waste collection.

“During the difficult changes initiated in Arco to adapt this sector to the new regulatory standards,” comments Councilor Miori, “it has not been possible to eliminate people’s habit, which I admit is outdated, of leaving garbage bags on the street. The lack of space prevents the installation of containers. We would need to place them under windows of houses, which would understandably provoke protests due to the strong smell for residents living above.”