The hilly streets of San Francisco are the first in North America to test an electric garbage collection vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

Recology unveiled the city’s first hydrogen-powered garbage truck this week. The truck was developed in collaboration with garbage truck manufacturer New Way Trucks and fuel cell manufacturer and technology developer Hyzon. The companies unveiled the vehicle at the 2024 WasteExpo Vegas

“With more than 140,000 garbage trucks in operation in the market today, garbage collection represents an ideal application to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology across the environmental services industry,” said Eric Evans, Chief Product Officer at New Way.

Recology employees will test the garbage truck on the streets of San Francisco over the next two weeks. The company plans to deploy the vehicle in other Bay Area cities as well. New Way and Hyzon will conduct additional tests across California in late 2024 before bringing the truck to Canada for testing.

The goal of Recology’s test is to demonstrate that zero-emission vehicles have the power and range needed to handle collection routes and transport heavy loads.

The partnership is based on the three manufacturers’ efforts to promote sustainability in waste and recycling fleets.

Parker Meeks, CEO of Hyzon, spoke about the rise of hydrogen fuel cell technology, saying, “Interest is only going to grow and I look forward to our continued partnership with New Way and service providers like Recology to change the future and enable a better way forward.”

Don Ross, Chief Sales Officer at New Way, said: “This technology has the potential to further drive emissions reduction in waste disposal, an industry that has traditionally been difficult to decarbonize.”