Waste Management, a provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America, plans to convert its fleet of 55 waste and recycling trucks in Columbus, Ohio from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG) operation. The trucks will emit nearly zero air particulates and up to 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The engines will also run quieter than traditional diesel engines, reducing noise during collection operations on community streets.
The trucks, which use a “slow-fill” procedure to achieve greater engine efficiency, carry approximately 50 gallons of CNG. This capacity allows them to run 10 to 12 hours and complete a typical day’s waste or recycling collection route.
A new CNG fueling facility will be installed at the company’s Canal Winchester location. “This new fueling facility will give us the direct capability to fuel a CNG fleet in the Columbus area, and with the CNG fleet, we’ll lower our fleet emissions, helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. This demonstrates our commitment to being a positive environmental contributor to the communities we serve,” said Frank Fello, Senior District Manager for Waste Management of Ohio.
Waste Management’s fleet of about 1,000 CNG and liquefied (LNG) vehicles is the largest in the North American waste industry. As part of the company’s annual fleet conversion, Waste Management expects 80 percent of its new collection vehicle purchases to be natural gas powered trucks. It currently has natural gas fueling stations at 17 facilities throughout North America and more under development.
Waste Management is embracing clean fuel technology across North America and part of its sustainability goals include lowering emissions by 15 percent and increasing the fuel efficiency of its fleet by 15 percent by the year 2020.
The company also is responding to local governmental customers who have asked Waste Management to expand its use of the cleaner burning vehicles as they pursue steps in their municipalities to achieve local environmental sustainability goals.
(This article compiled using information from a Waste Management press release)
