Efficient and quiet, ergonomic and safe: the new Euro VI Econic quickly proved its worth for refuse collectors in Karlsruhe.

Even in the narrow streets of Karlsruhe the dustbins has to be emptied. Here is the Econic Euro VI a benefit for the public waste management. The maneuverability and safety technology of the Econic makes the difference.

Gutenberg Square in Karlsruhe is a centre of “neighbourhood culture”: small restaurants, wine shops, and market stands that are set up three times a week under the lime trees. The square and the streets surrounding it, with their over 100-year-old buildings, are a listed historic area and one of the most sought after areas living areas in the city of 300000. The narrow streets are also one of the places in which the local Department of Waste Management’s newest acquisitions can show off all of their advantages: five Euro VI Econic refuse collection trucks. “It’s amazing how quiet they are,” says the department’s fleet manager Dirk Schmid. That’s as much to the residents’ advantage as are the low emissions levels. Thanks to its Euro VI engine, the new Econic emits 50% less particulate matter and up to 90% less NOx than the previous model. In addition, the standard 220 kW (299 hp) in-line six-cylinder engine uses up to 4% less fuel.

Karlsruhe’s refuse collection fleet includes about 50 refuse collection vehicles. The five new Econics are used primarily for recyclable materials. Every week each of the new trucks covers a distance of about 300 kilometres and collects more than 50 tonnes of refuse.

Stefan Kaufmann is the head of the Department of Waste Management. “Karlsruhe is an up-and-coming city. The brand-new quarter near the city centre is a good example. That’s why we need innovative and efficient waste management technology that also makes our refuse collectors’ strenuous job easier.”