Coconut Creek Celebrates Return to Curbside Recycling Pickup and All-Electric Waste Removal Trucks

by David Volz August 20, 2026

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Coconut Creek ribbon-cutting of new electric vehicles for garbage and recycling. {David Volz}

Coconut Creek celebrated the restart of curbside recycling pickup and a new, complete fleet of electric-vehicle garbage and recycling trucks with a ribbon-cutting on the morning of August 20.

Republic Services and Coconut Creek have begun Florida’s first complete electric residential recycling and waste collection fleet. This is one of the first communities in the nation to have a fully electric residential collection fleet, according to Jamey Amick, area president of Republic Services.

“This means our trucks in Coconut Creek have zero emissions. This is our future,” said Amick.

Mayor Jeffrey Wasserman was pleased that curbside recycling was returning to Coconut Creek and that the city was the first in Florida to have all-electric waste and recycling collection trucks.

“We are beginning things off with community events that will bring our residents together and show our creativity and innovative spirit,” said Wasserman.

Mayor Jeffrey Wasserman inside one of the trucks. {David Volz}

City Manager Sheila Rose said residents will soon notice the trucks are quieter as they go through the neighborhoods. The recycling vehicles are equipped with artificial intelligence to monitor streams and detect contamination. Curbside recycling pickup will begin on October 1, according to Rose.

The fleet serving Coconut Creek includes six McNeilus Volterra EVs, the industry’s first fully integrated zero-emission electric recycling and waste collection vehicles. They combine zero-emission performance with various advanced safety features.

The trucks include 360-degree camera systems, enhanced driver visibility, lane-departure sensors, automated emergency braking, and audible alerts designed to improve awareness for pedestrians and nearby motorists. Republic Services operates North America’s largest electric collection fleet. The company is focused on advancing sustainability while meeting the evolving needs of its customers, according to Austin Metcalf, general manager at Republic Services for Southeast Florida.

Coconut Creek’s leadership and commitment to responsible resource management reflect a long-term vision for serving its residents.

“We’re excited to partner with the city to deliver cleaner and quieter recycling and waste collection services that support the community’s needs today and into the future,” said Metcalf. “This launch is a testament to the strong partnership between Coconut Creek and Republic Services. These trucks are comfortable for our drivers.”

Commissioner Jackie Railey enjoyed the ribbon-cutting. “I am so excited that our city is leading the way with electric vehicles and bringing back curbside recycling,” she said.

The ceremony took place in front of a recycling and garbage truck. Afterward, people were allowed to participate in a ride-along, and some commissioners and guests did so. Wasserman participated and said he was impressed. The experience of riding in the truck was no different than riding in a luxury car. The ride was quiet and smooth, and the cab was fully air-conditioned he said.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.