EDCO Invests in New RNG-Powered Near Zero Emission Vehicles

Californian integrated waste and recycling company EDCO is taking delivery of twenty-five new Near Zero (NZ) natural gas powered collection vehicles and placing them into service throughout its fleet. The technologically advanced Near Zero engines produce almost zero emission of Nitrous Oxide (NOx), which is the primary generator of air pollution.

EDCO’s collection vehicles will be some of the first to operate with these Cummins Westport’s ISL G Near Zero NOx natural gas engines in the State of California. The NOx emissions are 90% less than 2010 standards, with ten NZ engines producing the NOx equivalent of just one 2010 engine. In addition, the NZ technology meets the State of California 2023 NOx and 2031 petroleum reduction goals. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) identifies that the NZ engine emissions are equivalent to a 100% battery powered vehicle using electricity from a modern natural gas power plant.

EDCO has pursued a conversion to a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) powered fleet, with over 200 trucks now in service. “We are very excited to add Near Zero engines to our RNG powered fleet, which will further reduce emissions in the region,” said Steve South, President and Chief Executive Officer of EDCO. South went on to state that, “EDCO anticipates that the RNG powered Near Zero engines will become a recognized component of Climate Action Plans throughout the region.”

EDCO is currently developing CNG fueling facilities that are open to the public that will serve as key elements in building the desired infrastructure that encourages use of Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV).

A NGV looks like any other vehicle except that they operate on natural gas as opposed to the liquid gasoline or diesel fuel typically pumped into a tank. However, one key difference is that natural gas engines reduce smog-producing pollutants by up to 90 percent and hydrocarbon emissions by 50-70 percent, compared to gasoline.

Source: EDCO