Waste management company, Viridor, has put its money where its mouth is by deploying the first fleet of Cat eMH24 electric-drive material handlers at its Bargeddie and Polmadie plants in Scotland.
The four Cat eMH24 machines will handle large quantities of black bag waste, enhancing Viridor’s recycling capabilities. Any residual waste that cannot be recycled will be converted into electricity to power these electric-drive material handlers. The result: a significantly smaller CO2 footprint compared to traditional diesel-powered machines, reduced operating costs and greater productivity.
Paul Cairney, operations manager for Viridor (Bargeddie), says the move is part of the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint as part of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.
“By operating these new Cat eMH24 electric-drive material handlers, we are expecting at least a 50% reduction in CO2 and operating costs,” he says. Cairney highlighted the straightforward electric-drive motor and hydraulic pump of the Cat machines, which enhance uptime and productivity while lowering operating costs.
The decision to transition to electrically driven machines required a comprehensive solution from Cat dealer, Finning, which collaborated with Murray Cable, part of the Finning group, to install the necessary high-voltage cabling to power the Cat machines at the remote recycling facilities. The installation was completed in just two weeks, working nights and weekends to avoid disrupting the day-to-day operations.
The machines have also won the approval of operator such as Chris Egan, who has more than 20 years of experience, and says the Cat eMH24 is one of the best machines he has operated. He particularly likes the quieter operating environment, smooth hydraulic controls, and the elimination of refueling and exhaust gases,
With these new machines, Viridor says it will continues to lead the way in sustainable waste management, showcasing a practical and innovative approach to reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency.
