The family-owned and managed operator takes pride from its commitment to social and environmental concerns, and high service levels. Operating from a waste sorting and recycling centre in Leyton, fast-growing Enviro Waste serves domestic, construction and commercial customers across the capital.
The latest additions to its fleet were supplied, like their predecessors, by Mercedes-Benz Dealer S&B Commercials – the German manufacturer’s franchised network in Britain is also responsible for sales and support of the popular Canter.
The two 3.5-tonne 3C15s and another 7.5-tonne 7C15 have Comfort day cabs and are powered by the same 3.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel. This 370 Nm torque unit comes with an engine brake as standard. It produces 110 kW (150 hp) which, in the case of Enviro Waste’s new vehicles, is transmitted to the road via a Duonic dual clutch automated gearbox.
The subject of CharterWay contract hire agreements from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, all three Canters are fitted with tipping box bodies by Grantham-based Fruehauf; the larger truck is additionally equipped with a 500 kg Dhollandia column lift. They have lined up alongside Enviro Waste’s three previous FUSO 7.5-tonners, the first of which entered service in 2015 to be followed, a year later, by another two.
Analysis undertaken by Enviro Waste revealed that in 2014-15 only four of London’s 32 boroughs exceeded the national domestic recycling rate of 44.9%. By contrast, the company diverts no less than 92% of the waste it collects away from landfill. The comprehensive list of services it provides includes house, garden and office clearances, furniture removals, and white goods and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) recycling.
It was the 7.5-tonne model’s market-leading body and payload allowance, and compact external dimensions, that initially attracted Enviro Waste to the FUSO Canter. “It’s a brilliant urban vehicle,” confirmed operations manager Mark Oates.
“We run an intensive operation up to six days per week, and make full use of the Canter’s carrying capacity. Its minimal footprint and cab-over-engine design mean the vehicle is also highly manoeuvrable and ideally suited to work in tight city streets.”
The company’s first 3.5-tonne Canters have replaced vehicles with the same gross weight by another manufacturer. Like their larger siblings, they are fitted with nearside safety cameras and are based on ladder chassis.
In Eco Mode the Duonic transmission contributes, along withthe standard Idle Start/Stop (ISS) function, to significantly reduced fuel consumption, while also enhancing safety by leaving the driver free to concentrate fully on the road.
“The Canter is certainly economical to run, while the lads are really happy with the semi-auto ’box,” continued Oates. “Our 7.5-tonne Canters have been so reliable, and are working so well, that we decided it would make sense to order our first 3.5-tonne versions. This way, everything’s on the same chassis.
“S&B’s support was also key to this decision,” he added.