ARC Powering Ahead with Liebherr Electric Waste Handling Wheel Loaders
Amager Ressourcecenter (ARC), one of Denmark’s largest municipal waste management companies, is charging full speed ahead on its journey to net-zero emissions. In a move that marks a significant milestone in sustainable urban waste handling, ARC has acquired eight battery-electric Liebherr L 507 E wheel loaders, setting a new benchmark in decarbonising its recycling operations across greater Copenhagen.
This latest investment is part of ARC’s broader mission to slash CO2 emissions. Already known for running over 200 electric refuse collection vehicles, ARC is now tackling another emissions-heavy component of waste processing: the wheel loader fleet.
“In order to minimise CO2 and noise emissions at our local recycling centres, we have decided to switch our wheel loaders to electric drive” said Casper Schwartz Glottrup, Waste & Tender Consultant at ARC. “After an intensive selection process, we decided in favour of battery-electric wheel loaders L 507 E from Liebherr. This model convinced us and our operators the most and fulfils our requirements perfectly.”
Rigorous Testing Before Commitment
Before putting pen to paper, ARC insisted on a meticulous selection process. Their criteria went far beyond efficiency and emissions. In spring 2024, Liebherr’s Danish dealer, Johs. Møllers Maskiner A/S, arranged a one-week trial deployment at ARC’s request.
Operators and procurement staff alike had their say. Each wheel loader was put through its paces under real working conditions, not just once but across different sites. From sorting recyclables to container loading, the L 507 E proved its worth long before a deal was struck.
“The battery life of the wheel loaders is sufficient for a full working day at our recycling centres without intermediate charging. We are very satisfied with our investment, which we financed with our own funds and without state subsidies,” Glottrup added.
Hardworking Machines in the Heart of Copenhagen
Deployed across multiple recycling centres in the capital, each of ARC’s eight new wheel loaders operates on a single-shift basis, seven days a week. These sites serve thousands of Copenhagen residents and handle a diverse range of refuse, from household recyclables to bulkier waste materials.
Thanks to the onboard lithium-ion batteries, overnight charging on the site’s existing grid infrastructure keeps operations rolling smoothly. And with zero on-site emissions and whisper-quiet operation, the benefits aren’t limited to efficiency.
“For local residents as well as our customers and employees, it is pleasant that the wheel loaders do not emit any exhaust fumes on site and that they work very quietly,” Glottrup pointed out.
Performance Meets Practicality
One of the more vocal supporters of ARC’s new electric machines is Mille Braunstein, a wheel loader driver at the Vermlandsgade recycling centre. She’s noticed the difference right away.
“The machine has enormous thrust – especially when stockpiling waste. It clearly outperforms our previous wheel loader,” she remarked. She was equally impressed with its agility: “Waste and bulky waste is constantly being delivered to our yard. We often have little space for our work. The Liebherr wheel loader is very manoeuvrable – tight spaces are no longer a problem.”
That nimbleness comes courtesy of Liebherr’s stereo steering system, a clever mix of articulated steering and a steered rear axle. This fusion allows tight turns with minimal effort, making it ideal for cluttered urban recycling yards.
Flexibility Through Modular Battery Packs
Among the eight machines, one stands out with a bit of extra juice. ARC opted to add a second lithium-ion battery to the L 507 E deployed at their packaging plant in Amager. Here, the demands are particularly heavy: the loader feeds a waste compactor handling up to 200 tonnes of plastic and cardboard every week.
Despite long shifts of up to ten hours, this supercharged loader doesn’t break a sweat. No mid-shift charging needed. Just plug in at night and it’s ready to roll by morning.
Plant Manager Esben Møhl shared his enthusiasm: “The lively handling and high thrust are impressive. I also like the manoeuvrability and low noise level of the wheel loader. It’s very comfortable to work with.”
Operator Comfort and Safety
It’s not all about torque and tech. Operator wellbeing played a key role in ARC’s final choice. The L 507 E features an ergonomic cab with intuitive controls, LED lighting, and a modern touchscreen display. The familiar layout ensures that even less experienced operators can transition easily from conventional models without lengthy retraining.
What’s more, the L 507 E is designed with the operator in mind, boasting low entry steps, superb all-round visibility, and a suspension seat that takes the edge off long shifts. Safety and comfort are no longer trade-offs.
Denmark’s Electric Ambitions
ARC’s move dovetails neatly with Denmark’s national climate goals. The country is aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2050, with a major push towards electrification in public infrastructure and services. ARC’s pioneering fleet is a tangible example of how local initiatives can support national climate strategies.
According to the Danish Energy Agency, emissions from municipal operations account for a significant slice of Denmark’s carbon footprint. Cutting emissions at source, particularly in heavy-duty applications like waste handling, is a high-impact win.
And it’s not just Denmark. The European Commission’s Green Deal and the global trend towards net-zero infrastructure investment are creating demand for zero-emission construction and waste machinery. Liebherr’s L 507 E seems to be striking the right chord with progressive operators looking for a robust yet sustainable solution.
Leading by Example
ARC’s choice to self-finance this clean-tech investment without leaning on government subsidies underlines their long-term commitment to sustainability. By shouldering the financial risk themselves, they’re proving that going green can also make commercial sense.
Their latest step, adding battery-electric wheel loaders to an already electrified fleet of refuse trucks, sets a powerful precedent for other municipalities across Europe. Clean air, quieter streets, and reduced operational costs? It’s a win on every front.
Driving Change with Confidence
Liebherr’s L 507 E isn’t just another machine in ARC’s yard. It represents a bold step toward a smarter, cleaner, more efficient way of handling urban waste. With proven performance, stellar operator feedback, and emissions cut to zero on-site, it ticks all the right boxes.
In a world where climate responsibility and operational excellence must go hand in hand, ARC’s latest move shows the rest of the sector how it’s done.
