Chicago Deploys First Electric Garbage Trucks with Republic Services and Mack

Republic Services has deployed Chicago’s first electric garbage trucks with the addition of two Mack LR Electric vehicles.

Executives and partners gathered Aug. 14 at Navy Pier to celebrate the milestone, including representatives from Republic Services, Mack Trucks, ComEd and the Respiratory Health Association.

The Mack LR Electric is built for residential and commercial waste collection and delivers zero local emissions. Its electric powertrain produces less noise on early morning routes and supports cleaner air in dense urban neighborhoods. The truck’s low cab-forward design and tight turning radius allow it to maintain the maneuverability needed for city streets.

The initiative highlights a partnership between Republic Services, Mack Trucks and ComEd, aimed at advancing sustainable waste collection technology in Chicago. The companies said the deployment represents an early step in reducing emissions from heavy-duty fleets while maintaining reliability and performance.