Commerce City Electrifies Garbage Fleet, Leading Colorado's Green Transition

The city's all-electric refuse trucks aim to reduce emissions and noise pollution.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:25am

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A highly detailed, 3D illustration of a glowing, futuristic electric garbage truck with recognizable tech elements like sensors and cameras illuminated by neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing Commerce City's innovative approach to sustainable waste management.Commerce City's new fleet of electric refuse trucks, equipped with advanced safety features and reduced emissions, represent a significant step towards a greener future for Colorado communities.Commerce City Today

Commerce City, Colorado has become a leader in environmental sustainability by transitioning its entire municipal garbage collection fleet to electric vehicles. The city has installed charging infrastructure and partnered with Republic Services and McNeilus to deploy a fleet of advanced electric refuse trucks that feature enhanced safety features and reduced noise levels.

Why it matters

This move by Commerce City aligns with growing efforts by cities across the U.S. to electrify their municipal fleets and reduce carbon emissions. The quieter operation of the electric trucks also benefits residents, especially those sensitive to early morning noise from traditional garbage trucks.

The details

Commerce City's new electric refuse fleet includes the McNeilus Volterra ZSL trucks, developed in collaboration with Republic Services. These vehicles come equipped with 360-degree cameras, larger windshields, lane-departure sensors, automated emergency braking, and sound devices to alert pedestrians and drivers. The city has also invested in the necessary EV charging infrastructure at Republic Services' local facility.

  • Commerce City unveiled its electric garbage fleet this week.
  • Other cities like Chicago, Louisville, and Madison have also incorporated electric refuse trucks into their municipal fleets.

The players

Commerce City

A city in Colorado that has become a leader in environmental sustainability by electrifying its entire municipal garbage collection fleet.

Republic Services

A waste management company that partnered with Commerce City and McNeilus to develop the electric refuse trucks used in the city's new fleet.

McNeilus

The manufacturer of the Volterra ZSL electric refuse trucks that are part of Commerce City's new fleet.

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What they’re saying

“We are so proud that Louisville will be the first city in the nation with a fully electric collection fleet. These innovative EV collection trucks will cater to our trash, compost, and recycling needs while minimizing noise pollution. They feature enhanced windshields for better driver visibility as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately contributing to quieter, safer, and healthier neighborhoods.”

— Chris Leh, Mayor of Louisville

What’s next

Commerce City plans to continue expanding its electric refuse fleet and charging infrastructure in the coming years as part of its broader sustainability initiatives.

The takeaway

Commerce City's transition to an all-electric garbage collection fleet demonstrates how cities can lead the way in adopting sustainable transportation solutions that benefit the environment and improve quality of life for residents.