EnviroWay - a division of EnviroWaste Services - has bought a fleet of 16 new collection trucks worth $5 million from manufacturers in Auckland and Hamilton.
The fleet, along with a 17th truck already owned by the company, will head out on Dunedin's streets from February 28, when the Dunedin City Council's new kerbside collection service begins.
Yesterday, the first 12 vehicles to arrive in Dunedin were inspected by Crs Andrew Noone - chairman of the council's infrastructure services committee - and Lee Vandervis.
Council and EnviroWaste staff were also on hand to demonstrate the trucks' ability to scoop up the new recycling wheelie bins, with the driver operating a mechanical arm.
The observers were intrigued by the larger trucks' specially-adapted rear axles, which allow the rear wheels to be turned, providing a much tighter turning circle.
EnviroWaste operations manager Vaughan Adams said the trucks ranged in size from 4 to 12 tonnes, and were capable of carrying between8cu m and 29cu m of rubbish, mixed recycling or glass.
The vehicles were being built in Auckland and Hamilton. The remaining four are due by February 1.
Meanwhile, the council has called in three extra staff to deal with a flood of phone calls about the new recycling service.
Council customer services agency manager William Robertson said more than 1200 calls had been logged in recent weeks, many querying why bins had not arrived.
Council solid waste manager Ian Featherston said about 30,000 of the 44,000 wheelie bins due to go out had been delivered.
