Under the scheme, bin crews will also receive training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use the defibrillators.
The council has equipped its full fleet of bin lorries with the devices so crews can help respond to medical emergencies while carrying out collections across the area’s towns, villages and rural communities.
All 72 refuse trucks now carry a defibrillator. That number is expected to rise to more than 80 vehicles as the authority rolls out weekly brown bin food waste collections, which began in February 2026.
Councillor Paul West, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, commented: “Our bin lorries travel thousands of miles on their rounds each week, visiting some of the most rural and remote places in the East Riding, so they are perfect to carry these life-saving devices just in case they are needed.
“I am particularly proud that all our bin crews will play a vital role in this project and will help to enhance our commitment to protecting lives, supporting residents and staff and make our communities safer.”
Training supports defibrillator rollout on bin lorries
The £60,000 project has been funded through a government grant aimed at improving road safety and reducing casualties.
The council has partnered with Beverley-based Act Fast First Aid to secure the equipment.
The company is also providing training for refuse crews free of charge.
Andrew Fowler, refuse collection lorry driver and crew member, added: “I think it’s a good thing, especially in some rural areas we go to, there’s still some places that don’t have defibrillators, so I think it’s great for people to have access to these machines.
“We are out everywhere, everyone can see us, I think it’s just an added extra to everything we do.
“Hopefully we don’t have to use them but, obviously, if we do, we’re there and we’ll be able to offer support for anybody that needs them.”
Officials are also in discussions with Yorkshire Ambulance Service to explore real-time tracking of the bin lorry fleet.
The aim is to allow first responders or community volunteers to quickly locate the nearest vehicle carrying a defibrillator if one is needed.
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