Hyzon, a U.S.-based high-performance hydrogen fuel cell system manufacturer and technology developer focused on providing zero-emission power to decarbonize the most demanding industries, announced it has entered into a purchase agreement for North America’s first 12 hydrogen-powered refuse fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) with recycling and innovation pioneer GreenWaste®, contingent upon Hyzon meeting certain commercial terms and specifications as defined in the agreement.

“We are proud to partner with sustainability leader GreenWaste in this landmark agreement, as it represents a significant leap forward in transforming trucking in the waste industry through both Hyzon’s leading Class 8 tractor and refuse collection vehicles,” said Hyzon Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Parker Meeks. “It is clear hydrogen-powered refuse collection demand is growing, powered by Hyzon’s high-performance hydrogen fuel cells.  Our technology offers a compelling value proposition to our customers, providing zero-emission power necessary to meet the demanding challenges of refuse trucks, ensuring they perform day in and day out,” added Meeks.

The company also recently announced the Start of Production (SOP) of its revolutionary single-stack 200kW Fuel Cell System (FCS), which enables Hyzon to manufacture standardized FCSs at volume for commercial sale, further accelerating the decarbonization of heavy-duty industries.

Hyzon’s FCEVs are the first hydrogen-powered refuse collection FCEVs available for trial and purchase in North America, and GreenWaste is set to make history as the first company in North America to commercially operate them, continuing their commitment to sustainability leadership in the waste industry. The hydrogen-powered refuse collection FCEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, supporting GreenWaste’s broader sustainability initiatives, including its 2030 goal to achieve a 45% reduction in total combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its 2022 baseline.  In 2023, GreenWaste achieved a 36.3% reduction in total combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its 2022 baseline.

The purchase agreement comes on the back of GreenWaste’s trial of Hyzon’s refuse FCEV, where it successfully completed several trial routes throughout the Bay Area, testing for payload, can-lifts and range.

“Seven years ago, GreenWaste made history by commercially operating the world’s first full-sized electric side-loading waste collection truck. Today, we are building on that legacy with our plan to be the first in North America to introduce hydrogen-powered zero emissions vehicles into our collection fleet,” said Tracy Adams, CEO of GreenWaste. “For decades, we have been at the forefront of innovative and sustainable resource recovery and recycling.  This latest investment in zero-emission technology reinforces our leadership within the industry and commitment to recovering, recycling, and reusing waste materials in the most innovative, environmentally responsible, and reliable ways possible,” he added. 

Hyzon’s refuse collection FCEVs will be built in partnership between Hyzon and New Way Trucks, a privately held, industry-leading refuse truck body manufacturer. New Way's expertise and leadership in refuse collection and Hyzon's focus on providing zero-emission power to decarbonize the most demanding industries combine to make hydrogen fuel cell electric refuse collection a reality for the North American waste and recycling industry.

“New Way is excited to be working with GreenWaste to introduce the first-ever commercial application of hydrogen powered refuse collection in North America. GreenWaste has been a long-time, valued New Way partner and, together with Hyzon, we are making the biggest steps forward to decarbonize the solid waste industry — with no compromise on range or dependency on the grid,” said Don Ross, Chief Sales Officer for New Way, and Chairman of the National Waste and Recycling Association. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Hyzon and fielding more zero emissions, clean energy refuse vehicle solutions that will set a new standard for our industry.”

Refuse FCEV deliveries are expected to GreenWaste starting as soon as Q4 2025.