Waste Management operates more than 4,000 natural gas vehicles.
Natural Gas >> A Clean, Safe and Smart Choice for the Waste and Recycling Industry is the message delivered at WASTECON® 2016 by US trade association NGVAmerica and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). The white paper was a collaborative effort between NGVAmerica’s Technology & Development Committee and SWANA members.
The document provides basic NGV information, safe operation practices, and proper maintenance for natural gas collection and transfer vehicles. It also covers recommendations for operating and maintaining refueling equipment and maintenance facilities.
Because of lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact of natural gas vehicles, more than 50% of new refuse trucks placed into service are fueled by natural gas. If natural gas vehicles are maintained and operated within their recommended service conditions, the vehicles are as safe as a gasoline or diesel vehicle.
“Natural gas is the clear alternative fuel of choice for waste and recycling fleets across the country,” said Dan Bowerson, NGVAmerica Director of Technology and Development. “Safety is always the top priority for NGVAmerica members, and we appreciated the opportunity to develop this guide to safety and best practices of natural gas vehicles with our partners at SWANA.”
“We are very pleased to partner with NGVAmerica on this important document. Waste truck fleet operators in both the private and public sectors need to make sure they operate natural gas fueled vehicles safely,” said David Biderman, SWANA’s Executive Director. “This collaboration is an example of SWANA’s relentless focus on improving the industry’s safety performance in the United States and Canada,” Biderman added.
NGVAmerica’s Technology & Development Committee led the collaborative effort with SWANA. The committee is comprised of over 70 NGV industry stakeholders who work together to improve safety and maintenance issues, further code and standards development, and promote the latest innovation to improve the NGV experience for fleets and consumers.
The white paper can be found on the NGVAmerica website. More information about SWANA and its safety resources can be found at www.swana.org/safety.
(Source: NGVAmerica)
