To celebrate Earth Month, San Francisco-based Recology announced that it achieved its goal to power its fleet with more than 90% renewable or alternative energy in 2022. Most Recology collection and transfer trucks now operate on renewable natural gas and renewable diesel. They also operate electric vehicles. By shifting to cleaner fuels and optimizing collection routes, the company reduced fleet emissions by 44% in three years (2019-2022).
“We made a commitment in 2019 to significantly reduce our use of conventional fossil fuels. In hitting this mark, we achieved one of the most ambitious fleet goals in our industry,” said Recology CEO Sal Coniglio. “At the time, renewable fuels were unavailable in many areas where we provide service, including the Pacific Northwest, so we knew it would be tough. Through concerted efforts, we achieved the goal, and in doing so, we helped broaden the availability of cleaner fuels on the West Coast.”
Recology’s transition away from conventional fossil fuels began in the early 1990s, when the company started using CNG and LNG in its fleet.
“Demanding and utilizing cleaner fuels is just one of the ways Recology is demonstrating our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and helping our cities achieve their climate goals,” commented Coniglio.
While Recology continues switching more trucks to renewable and alternative fuels, the company also continues testing zero-emission trucks and working closely with vehicle manufacturers to further enhance fleet sustainability.
“We are proud of this milestone achievement and now want to go further. New legislation is driving industries towards zero-emissions vehicles, and we intend to be one of the first to eliminate internal combustion engines from our fleet,” added Coniglio.
Source: Rocology
