City of Mobile unveils new garbage trucks

Sep 30th, 2015

MOBILE, Ala. -- The City of Mobile took delivery today of four new garbage trucks which will go to work immediately on behalf of the citizens of Mobile.

The trucks are the first of eight that will join the city's fleet in the coming weeks. They are being purchased with proceeds from a settlement of the City's lawsuit against BP for damages from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

"One of my administration's top priorities is to improve the quality of life for all our citizens," said Mayor Stimpson. "Reliable and efficient garbage service is a core function of city government, and we're determined to do it better. These trucks are critically needed and we're excited to put them to work."

The new trucks were introduced during a news conference at the City's municipal garage attended by Mayor Stimpson along with representatives from the City Council and from the Public Works staff.

The Mobile City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 15 to approve a resolution directing the BP funds be used for new garbage and trash trucks along with new vehicles for the Parks and Recreation Department.

"One of the biggest complaints we have from citizens is that we are not picking up garbage on time," said Council President Gina Gregory. "These new trucks will help us improve services to our citizens."

The 2015 model trucks each come with a 5-year warranty and are equipped with a 24-foot, 1,000-pound capacity automated side-loading arm.

The trucks were purchased from National Auto Fleet Group for $272,484 each and were delivered to the City by the Mobile-based SANSOM Equipment Co. They will run on routes citywide beginning Thursday.