The County’s Solid Waste Management Program is Rocking Down Electric Avenue

A green John Deere electric Gator with yellow seats parked at Compost Central

The Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management Program is rocking down Electric Avenue with its latest utility vehicle. The John Deere Gator will be used at Compost Central Recycling Center, 140 Valleydale Road, Charlotte. The model it replaces had a diesel engine.

“This new electric utility vehicle will allow our facilities to reduce emissions and remain on the forefront of working to be sustainable for our community we serve,” said Solid Waste Director Jeff Smithberger.  

The Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management Program operates using an Environmental Management System (EMS) that considers the impacts and efficiencies of operations, and it is the only solid waste program in North Carolina to hold this accreditation.  

The County’s Environmental Leadership Action Plan includes transitioning County facilities and fleet to net-zero carbon energy sources by 2035. These steps support pollution reduction, resource conservation, and climate preparedness initiatives.