“The price of diesel right now is killing us.” That’s how Mr. DiGG of Upstream Recycling sums up why his team made the switch to electric equipment.
To reduce fuel costs, improve workplace conditions, and simplify maintenance, Upstream Recycling added the Volvo ECR25 Electric Compact Excavator and Volvo L25 Electric Compact Wheel Loader to support daily operations at their recycling facility.
Eliminating Diesel Fumes in Enclosed Workspaces
One of the biggest advantages of electric equipment for recycling operations is the ability to work indoors without exposing employees to diesel exhaust.
Upstream Recycling is expanding its operation with an additional ClearSpan building designed for material handling and storage. In enclosed environments like these, air quality becomes a major consideration.
“You don’t want your employees in diesel all day long,” says Mr. DiGG. “The electric machines have been optimal to have.”
By eliminating tailpipe emissions entirely, the Volvo ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric help create a cleaner, more comfortable workplace for operators and employees working nearby.
Reducing Fuel Costs and Maintenance
With diesel prices continuing to climb, fuel expenses add up fast. Electric equipment removes that variable entirely. Instead of filling a tank every day, the machines charge overnight and are ready to go the next morning.
The savings don’t stop at the fuel pump.
“There’s no oil to check, no diesel maintenance, and they’re quiet,” says Mr. DiGG. “They just work so good.”
Without engine oil changes, fuel filters, or other diesel engine maintenance requirements, electric equipment can help simplify ownership while reducing routine service demands.
Full-Day Performance for Recycling Applications
A common question about electric equipment is whether it can last a full workday. For Upstream Recycling, the answer has been yes, and the charging setup is simpler than most people expect.
Both machines plug into a standard 110-volt outlet each evening. No special electrical infrastructure. No charging stations. No contractors to wire anything up. Just plug them in at night, and they’re ready to work the next morning.
“They’ll last the entire working day. Plug ’em in at night and they’re good to go,” says Mr. DiGG.
Because the machines are used intermittently throughout the day rather than continuously, a single overnight charge is all it takes. For operators who assumed electric equipment would require expensive infrastructure upgrades, this removes one of the biggest barriers to making the switch.
Quiet Operation Improves Communication and Safety
The difference in noise levels is immediately noticeable. That quiet operation creates several workplace advantages. Employees can communicate more easily, hear backup alarms clearly, and work in a more comfortable environment without the constant engine noise associated with traditional diesel equipment.
“You can barely hear it. The guys are able to communicate with one another. They can hear backup alarms for safety, and it makes the whole workplace more comfortable,” says Mr. DiGG.
For facilities where multiple employees work in close proximity, reduced noise can contribute to both productivity and overall jobsite awareness.
Built For the Way Recycling Actually Works
Recycling work is intermittent by nature. Operators step on and off machines constantly to sort material, direct traffic, or handle something by hand. The Volvo L25 Electric is built for exactly that rhythm.
Step off the seat and the parking brake engages automatically. The machine goes quiet. Step back on, press a button, and you’re back to work.
“Once you get out of the seat, it automatically puts the parking brake on and goes quiet. There’s no starting and stopping. Jump off, do what you need to do, jump on, hit a button and go to work,” says Mr. DiGG.
In a diesel machine, that same routine burns fuel and fills the air with exhaust every time. Here, it costs nothing.
Versatility That Supports Daily Recycling Operations
At Upstream Recycling, the ECR25 Electric is used to help load and sort recyclable materials, while the L25 Electric handles a variety of material-moving tasks throughout the facility. The ECR25’s quick-coupler system allows operators to switch between attachments as needs change throughout the day.
“These machines are so handy because there is a quick connect on the front. We can use pallet forks and buckets to move material around,” says Mr. DiGG.
That versatility allows one machine to perform multiple tasks without requiring additional equipment.
A Natural Fit for a Growing Industry
For Mr. DiGG, the case was straightforward: lower costs, no fumes, less maintenance, and machines that simply get the job done.
“The operators and owners love these machines,” he says.
The Volvo ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric have become everyday tools that help keep Upstream Recycling moving forward while reducing fuel costs, eliminating diesel emissions, and creating a more comfortable work environment.
If your operation runs in enclosed spaces or relies on diesel equipment that’s eating into your margins, it may be time to see what electric can do. Contact an Ascendum representative to learn more about the Volvo ECR25 Electric Compact Excavator and L25 Electric Compact Wheel Loader.
