UTE RM VAO, a consortia comprising three of Spain’s leading environmental services companies, Valoriza, Acciona and Ingesan (OHLA), provide the recycling and waste collection service in one of Madrid’s outer zones.
In 2022, the UTE won a new recycling and waste collection contract from Madrid Municipality. To deliver this, the UTE invested in a new fleet of low emission vehicles. These are mainly Euro 6 low emission natural gas powered, although two have electric drivetrains. Valoriza designed the electric vehicles and the results of their performance, so far, are positive. The introduction of this new fleet has helped the UTE to reduce both carbon emissions and improve the air quality for Madrid’s citizens.
The fleet now totals 199 vehicles working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It comprises a mixture of rear loaders, side loaders. Vehicles with a roof mounted crane are also used for the selective collection of recyclables.
Organic waste is also collected using both rear and side loading vehicles which is then turned into compost and reused in farming applications. The selective collection of this material helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which would be created if deposited in a landfill site.
Investments have also been made in the depot infrastructure. The rebranding of the external building facia was one such improvement while another increased the internal shadow of the buildings. The latter has created better working conditions for staff during the summer by reducing humidity.
Photovoltaic panels have been installed onto the roof of the offices, workshop and the vehicles’ gas refuelling station. This development has helped the UTE to become self – sufficient in energy generation supporting the circular economy.
For Madrid’s citizens, the future looks bright because they can rely on UTE’s sustainable recycling and waste collection system, incorporating the circularity concept, which will serve them well for generations.