Hyzon completes successful trial of fuel cell powered refuse trucks

Hyzon, a U.S.-based hydrogen fuel cell system manufacturer and technology developer, has completed a successful trial of its refuse collection Fuel Cell Electric Truck (FCET) with Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery (MDRR), a waste and recycling management firm based in Concord, California. 

The trial tested the hydrogen-powered vehicles—developed in partnership with New Way Trucks—on routes in parts of California, including Concord, Pittsburg, Oakley, Rio Vista and parts of unincorporated Contra Costa. 

“We are proud to partner with Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery in pioneering the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty waste management,” Hyzon CEO Parker Meeks says. “This successful trial showcases the potential for hydrogen to drive meaningful decarbonization, without sacrificing performance, in challenging sectors like waste and recycling. We are excited to be driving forward hydrogen-powered solutions in collaboration with our customers that deliver both environmental and operational benefits.”

According to Hyzon, the partnership further demonstrated hydrogen’s effectiveness as a sustainable, zero-emission alternative to diesel fuel, aligning with California’s Advanced Clean Fleet requirements and furthering MDRR’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. It also represents Hyzon’s 10th trial since July across both of its Class 8 and refuse collection FCETs.

“We are relentless about innovation to transform the way we manage waste and recycling to maximize our environmental and financial performance,” says Kish Rajan, CEO of MDRR. “This pilot program is yet another example of what sets MDRR apart.”

Hyzon’s hydrogen fuel cell systems demonstrated consistent power over an expected range of at least 125 miles, including at least 1,300 cart lifts along with trips to the transfer station, at up to 300 percent increased fuel efficiency over traditional diesel trucks. Hyzon’s trial program has shown range that in some route structures projects over 1,500 cart lifts on a single fill of hydrogen.

Alongside trials of its refuse collection FCETs, Hyzon is advancing its Class 8 200 kilowatt FCET trial program. The company remains on track to complete customer trials with over 30 major fleets across both platforms between July and February 2025.