Debrecen4U
July 16, 2025
Implementation of an electrical waste transport reference project in Debrecen
The Electric Waste Transport Model Project, implemented with the support of the Ministry of Energy, aims to provide experience in public waste management services that enable the widespread use of electric waste collection vehicles. Within the framework of the project, two electric waste transport vehicles were purchased with the cooperation of HUMDA Magyar Mobilitás-fejlesztési Ügynökség Zrt. (Hungarian Mobility Development Agency). The vehicles were handed over and presented in Debrecen on July 15, 2025.
At the event, Deputy Mayor of Debrecen responsible for green affairs, Ákos Balázs, expressed his joy that Debrecen has taken another step forward towards sustainable green mobility. He highlighted that HUMDA Zrt. is an excellent partner of the city in this regard, as they have already participated in several pilot projects together. The Municipality of Debrecen would like to continue cooperating with HUMDA Zrt. as a valued partner and participate in new electromobility and mobility pilot programmes together. These experiences, which can be gained in this way, can be integrated into the city’s long-term life and operations. He mentioned that they previously launched the first rural green bus pilot programme together, thanks to which 12 electric buses are now plying the streets of Debrecen. Tests of fuel cell and hydrogen-powered buses have also taken place, and an electric waste transport vehicle was previously in service in Debrecen.
Ákos Balázs emphasised that sustainability is very important for Debrecen. In 2019, the city announced its new environmental policy, which aims to make local knowledge in Debrecen align with nature and put this knowledge at the service of the people of Debrecen. Part of this process, among other things, involves incorporating electric devices into city operations. The development of electromobility also plays a crucial role among the measures outlined in the Green Codex, the foundational document guiding Debrecen’s green initiatives. Within the framework of the current project, valued at a total of HUF 720 million with 100 percent support intensity, a total of three fully electric garbage trucks can be deployed in Debrecen. Two have already arrived, and one vehicle is expected to arrive early next year.
These vehicles represent the most modern technology, as they have a range of 250 kilometres, which can be utilised effectively and practically in urban traffic. The vehicles take 3 hours to charge, so their batteries can be recharged quickly. The drivability of these vehicles is also superior to that of their diesel counterparts. Perhaps most importantly, their use reduces emissions and noise pollution in Debrecen, the deputy mayor pointed out.
Ákos Balázs also mentioned that the municipality aims to achieve the goal of incorporating electric vehicles into city management, which would be a significant step towards a greener city.
“Debrecen’s efforts were also recognised by the judges when, in the process of the competition for the title of European Green Capital, Debrecen was ranked among the top three candidates with the highest score in terms of sustainability,” he said. Thanking the Government of Hungary, the Ministry of Energy, and HUMDA for their support, Ákos Balázs noted that these steps strengthen Debrecen’s position at the forefront of sustainability.
As Head of the Circular Economy Planning Department of the Ministry of Energy, Dr. Dániel Tarsoly said he is very pleased and proud to be part of an event in Debrecen that goes far beyond technological development.
“Today, we are taking another significant step on the path toward a sustainable future and promoting environmentally conscious thinking. We are ceremonially handing over the purely electric waste collection vehicles purchased as part of a project supported by the Ministry of Energy. Based on the support agreement signed with the Ministry of Energy, HUMDA asked Debrecen to join the pilot project in 2022. The project aimed to gain experience in the field of waste management public services that would enable the widespread use of electric waste collection vehicles,” he said.
Dr. Dániel Tarsoly emphasised that this event is not just about the launch of vehicles, but rather a symbol of a change in attitude. The basic principle of the circular economy is to use our existing resources as efficiently as possible. This approach has no place for disposable models; instead, it focuses on sustainability, resource conservation, and innovation. Electric waste collection vehicles embody this principle perfectly. On the one hand, they collect recyclable materials in an environmentally friendly way, thereby reducing noise pollution and harmful emissions. On the other hand, they operate in the spirit of the circular economy, being energy-efficient, designed for a long service life, and contributing to a greener future for settlements.
Debrecen has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and innovation on numerous occasions, he pointed out, adding that “today, however, we have reached another milestone. With these electric vehicles, we are not only working for clean air but also the wise use of our resources”. He thanked HUMDA Zrt. for its excellent cooperation over the past years, which has enabled Debrecen to benefit from another exemplary programme. He also thanked the city administration, the professional partners, and, of course, all those who participated in the project.
“The future is not some distant, abstract concept; the future is here, and we are shaping it. Today, we are sending a clear message. Sustainability is not just an opportunity but a duty. We are taking advantage of this opportunity and fulfilling our duty,” Dániel Tarsoly said, wishing all concerned safe and efficient work in the use of the new vehicles. “Let this be a new beginning, and may many more similar steps follow,” he highlighted.
At the end of the event, Dr. Dániel Tarsoly handed over the Renault vehicles to Ákos Balázs on behalf of the city.
Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu
