In general, garbage trucks burn through a gallon of diesel fuel every three miles. Garbage trucks, in general, have suffered from lackluster fuel efficiency, a problem the rising costs of diesel fuel have compounded in recent years. Therefore, CNG has become the diesel alternative of choice among the refuse-trucking industry. Consequently, refuse fleets would face challenges trying to enact LNG adoption on a broad scale, both in terms of storage and fueling. LNG is the less accessible option for refuse fleets because it is costlier to procure and not as readily available across the U.S. In recent years, the cylinder designs in refuse trucks have allowed for greater CNG efficiency. CNG is the more economical and accessible option for U.S.-based refuse fleets. Natural gas fuels fall into two categories: compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). As more garbage trucks begin using natural gas fuels, towns and cities could enjoy cleaner air because the exhaust pipes of refuse vehicles would be emitting fewer gases. The problems associated with diesel fuel and its widespread use among garbage fleets have spurred interest in natural gas fuels, which are less expensive and release fewer emissions. These figures could easily be lower if more garbage trucking companies consider alternatives. emits approximately 27 billion pounds of CO2 greenhouse gas, solely for garbage collection. As a result of this reliance on diesel by the refuse-trucking industry, the U.S. Overall, garbage trucks consume about 1.2 billion gallons of dieselannually. The emissions these trucks produce contribute to the air quality problems residents experience in some of the nation’s more heavily trafficked towns and cities. Why Are Refuse Truck Fleets Switching to Natural Gas?Īll across the United States, garbage trucks rely on diesel and biodiesel fuel to drive around from neighborhood to neighborhood and collect waste and recyclables. The following article explores the benefits of natural gas garbage trucks and why it is in the best interest of refuse fleets to make the switch. Many state agencies have recognized the benefits of natural gas, and some of them have begun offering incentives to fleet owners who agree to switch from diesel to natural gas.ĭespite these advantages, many fleet managers have thus far resisted the switch, in some cases due to the upfront cost of trucks that run on natural gas. Compressed natural gas is better for the environment, easier on engines and more readily available at modest prices throughout the U.S. Thankfully, refuse fleets now have an alternative to conventional fuels like diesel. Environmental issues that have cast traditional fuel options in an unfavorable light have compounded these problems. In a time when fuel costs have rendered leisurely driving cost-prohibitive, fuel costs in the public-services sector can be problematic for refuse fleets and taxpaying residents of local communities. Waste management is one of the most vital services for communities throughout the U.S., but it does not come without a cost.
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