Electric rubbish carts introduced in Brussels

Five new electric rubbish-collecting carts will be hitting the streets in Brussels, collecting litter from bins.

The golf-cart-like vehicles can be spotted in pedestrian zones and in the centre of Brussels as part of the municipal cleaning operation.

With a top speed of 17 km/h and a load capacity of up to 4m³, the pick-ups are fully electric.

“They produce no emissions or noise pollution and, thanks to their great manoeuvrability, they can easily navigate between flower boxes, fountains and sculptures,” said Anas Ben Abdelmoumen, Brussels alderman for cleanliness and finance.

“This is a real asset in a very busy city centre.”

The rubbish carts come at a cost of €16,000 each, or €80,000 in total – an investment deemed necessary given the recurring criticism of a lack of cleanliness in the city centre.

The new vehicles are also expected to make the work of staff easier, particularly for older employees.

“We will continue to invest,” said Ben Abdelmoumen.

“This year alone, we have earmarked €1 million for new mechanical sweepers and electric vacuum cleaners, among other things.”