Action Carting Environmental Services Debuts First Electric Collection Truck, Featuring Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch

NEW YORK, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Action Carting Environmental Services, Inc. ("Action"), a leading, vertically integrated provider of solid waste collection, disposal and recycling services, today announced its first all-electric collection truck will hit the New York City streets with a special guest onboard – Sesame Street's most famous trash enthusiast, Oscar the Grouch.

This launch is part of Action's new partnership with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind the beloved Sesame Street, to promote sustainability and inspire recycling in the communities it serves. It follows Action's selection as a designated hauler in NYC's Commercial Waste Zone program, which, once fully implemented, is expected to reduce truck traffic and citywide emissions from waste collection by 50%.

The all-electric vehicle, a Mack LR Electric featuring the familiar face of Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch, is just the beginning for Action. Equipped with advanced battery capacity and regenerative braking technology, the truck transforms energy from frequent stops on collection routes into additional battery power, extending range and reducing brake wear. In addition to being much quieter than traditional engine-powered trucks and reducing noise pollution, it significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality for residents and incorporates advanced safety features.

"The introduction of our first electric truck is a testament to Action's community-focused approach to sustainable waste management," said Mike DiBella, CEO of Interstate Waste Services, Action's parent company. "This is just the beginning of our transition to electric. With this investment, we're improving our operations while making a positive difference for our community and environment."

Jennifer Ahearn, Senior Vice President, Global Themed and Partnerships at Sesame Workshop, added: "There's no character who appreciates collecting trash more than Oscar the Grouch. We're excited to team up with Action as they help make New York City cleaner and greener for everyone."

"This is an exciting moment for New York City sanitation and Action's role in it," said Josh Haraf, Market Vice President of New York City at Interstate Waste Services. "I'm proud of our team for implementing pioneering technologies that make waste collection safer, cleaner and more efficient. With Oscar the Grouch on board, we're setting a new standard for sustainable waste management while inspiring New Yorkers of all ages to recycle and keep our city clean."

About Action Carting Environmental Services, Inc. 
Action Carting Environmental Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Interstate Waste Services, Inc. (IWS), is a vertically integrated environmental services company. They provide solid waste and recycling collection, processing, waste-by-rail transportation, and disposal services throughout the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area. In New York City, IWS operates through its subsidiary, Action Carting Environmental Services, Inc. IWS is one of the largest privately held solid waste companies in the US and a leader in utilizing waste-by-rail transportation to minimize vehicle traffic and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, please visit actioncarting.com.

About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesame.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.

SOURCE Interstate Waste Services