FCC Medio Ambiente, which has been present in the city of Ávila since 1986, has been awarded the new waste collection and street cleansing contract for the next 10 years. The contract represents an order book value of nearly €73 million and will employ almost 120 people.

New services include the incorporation of 100%-electric vehicles and machines, such as collection lorries and sweeping equipment, many of which will be able to work in all the city's hard-to-reach areas. There will also be dual sweeper-washing down equipment, which enable mechanical and manual sweeping services to be carried out, and road sweeping tankers for winter road works. The implementation of the brown container for the organic fraction is also planned. All of this is a sign of the commitment of Ávila City Council and FCC Medio Ambiente to the recycling targets set by the European Union for 2030, sustainability and care for the environment. In terms of facilities, a warehouse will be fitted out as a central depot and three small barracks or ancillary centres.

The street cleansing service will have newly acquired equipment in its fleet, such as sweeping vehicles, 100%-electric light cleaning vehicles equipped with a pressure washer and blower, and manual sweeping trolleys with electric assistance. The units also incorporate water-saving systems and ergonomic and health improvements so that staff can carry out their work as comfortably and safely as possible.

For the collection of organic, paper and cardboard, light packaging and other waste fractions, newly acquired 19 cubic metres side-loading and  7 and 4.5 cubic metres rear-loading compacting-collection lorries will be incorporated. This equipment will have diesel and electric engines, with special insulation in order to minimise noise emissions. They will be supported by 100%-electric ancillary vehicles. FCC Medio Ambiente will also renew the entire fleet of containers and increase the current volume available. The new contract seeks especially to reinforce selective collection and reduce the residual waste fraction by encouraging separation at source thanks to more frequent collections and public awareness and information campaigns.

A communication plan has been developed to publicise the implementation of the new service and raise public awareness of its impact on the environment. This plan will not only highlight the benefits of the new service, but also the return to the city and those who live in or enjoy it. The social sustainability of the contract, which has collaboration agreements with local associations and foundations for the recruitment of people from groups at risk of social exclusion, is also of particular relevance.  

Images courtesy of the Ávila City Council