EAST Lothian Council hopes to become the first local authority to operate a fleet of fully electric bin lorries.

It is investigating making its waste collections more environmentally friendly.

The move is being championed by its new head of infrastructure, who has spent the last 20 years revolutionising the way the county deals with waste.

Tom Reid has taken over the role after running the council’s waste services for two decades.

And he hopes to bring his experience to the fore as he spearheads a move towards electric vehicles and more cycle paths and walkways as the council puts forward its active travel strategy.

East Lothian Council recycles 54 per cent of its waste and produces a quality of waste which makes it appealing to companies to buy. The use of recycling boxes rather than bins and the introduction of food waste caddies has helped the county produce high-quality waste with fewer contaminants, meaning less has to be sent for treatment.

Now Mr Reid wants to bring a similar approach to travel in the county as East Lothian prepares for an influx of new residents due to a plethora of new housing developments.

And he revealed talks were under way to try and replace the council’s refuse collection vehicles with electric versions as it looks to lead by example.

He said: “The public bought into recycling because we gave them options such as the food waste bins and also because they knew it was the right thing to do.

“Active travel will be an evolution but we need to give people access to it. We need to provide cycle paths and safe walkways; we need train services to be on time. If we can develop plans to provide these services then people will automatically select not to take the car, just as they will select electric vehicles as they become cheaper too.

“It is about getting the message out and empowering people to be able to do it.”

The introduction of electric bin lorries would be a huge step towards improving the environment and changing public perception.

Some such lorries are being trialled in England by waste recycling firms, with one company in Sheffield introducing two vehicles which are powered by burning non-recyclable rubbish as they collect it. Others are being tested using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We are actively working with partners to deliver one of the first fully electric refuse collection vehicles that would be powered through renewable energy currently generated on site at Kinwegar [recycling centre near Wallyford].”