A hydrogen-power garbage truck could revolutionise waste collection in NSW. 

A hydrogen-powered garbage truck embarked on its inaugural collection route in the Illawarra region.

The innovative vehicle operates by harnessing hydrogen and air to generate electricity. 

It has been lauded as a game-changer, offering a noise reduction of up to 60 per cent compared to conventional diesel-fueled waste trucks. 

With a range of approximately 200 kilometres and the capacity to handle around 1,000 bin lifts, the eco-conscious vehicle marks a significant leap in sustainable waste collection.

The Waste services and recycling company, Remondis, has officially introduced the 110-kilowatt electric vehicle in Wollongong and Shellharbour.

The vehicle has been stationed in the Illawarra region due to its proximity to the recently opened Coregas hydrogen fuelling station in Port Kembla.

While the exact cost of this innovation remains undisclosed, Remondis has affirmed its commitment to advancing eco-friendly technologies, driven by customer demand for change. 

It is anticipated that the cost of such vehicles will decrease as more heavy freight companies adopt this transformative technology.

“It's easy to get lost in all of the promise of decarbonising, but we have shown here we can take a locally designed and built product, put that truck on the road locally and fuel it locally,” said John Edgley, International Relations President and Australian Managing Director of Hyzon Motors.

The environmental benefits of this hydrogen-powered truck are substantial, with Remondis predicting a yearly reduction of 75 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and a saving of 25,000 litres of diesel fuel. 

This technological advancement aligns with efforts to address greenhouse gas emissions from council operations.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery expressed his enthusiasm for the truck's arrival, saying it is just the beginning of a broader transition towards greener waste management practices.