Coastal Waste and Recycling, based in Florida, is leading the way in the electrification of heavy equipment within the waste management industry. The company has announced plans to pilot a Volvo EC 230 electric excavator and has acquired a Class 8 electric collection truck from Mack Trucks. This move is part of their commitment to innovation and sustainability in operations. The company's CEO expressed excitement about integrating these electric vehicles into their fleet, highlighting the strategic importance of this transition. Coastal has already started utilizing the electric excavator for waste processing tasks, emphasizing the simplicity of transitioning from diesel-powered to electric equipment due to their similarity. Collaborating closely with Volvo and Mack, Coastal ensured that the necessary infrastructure, like charging stations, was in place for the new electric truck. Experts in the industry foresee that future generations of heavy equipment will leverage electric drive to enhance efficiency and incorporate new technologies like telematics and autonomous operation. Operators have noted the benefits of electric equipment, such as operational flexibility and reduced environmental impact. Despite the advantages, challenges remain, particularly in managing charging cycles and battery capacity for heavy equipment. Coastal has incorporated these considerations into its daily operations, utilizing opportunities for quick charges during the workday. The company emphasizes the potential maintenance savings with electric equipment due to fewer moving parts compared to diesel models. Overall, transitioning to electric heavy equipment is seen as a financially and environmentally beneficial move for companies in the waste management sector and beyond.