The launch of Seattle’s new green fleet of recycling, compost and garbage trucks is underway, further advancing the City’s steady commitment to clean air and world-class sustainability leadership.
The ninety-one collection trucks are equipped with the new Cummins Westport ISL G Near Zero engine and powered by renewable natural gas (RNG). The heavy-duty engine is the cleanest ever certified by the California Air Resources Board and the Environmental Protection Agency. RNG is better for the environment because it is not a fossil fuel and it generates dramatically lower emissions – 70% lower than traditional diesel and 65% lower than compressed natural gas.
“Meeting our 2050 carbon-neutral goal will require creative thinking from every corner of our city. Our new green fleet at Seattle Public Utilities is another example of Seattle leading the world and taking bold action to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan.
RNG is a renewable fuel harvested from landfills – an innovative and green transportation fuel to replace fossil fuels. RNG begins as a biogas when garbage decays inside landfills. Waste Management uses underground vacuum systems to collect the biogas so it can be cleaned and loaded into pipeline infrastructure, similar to how electricity is loaded to the power grid for transmission across the country.
The green fleet is completed with eight Nissan Leaf electric support vehicles for use by Waste Management route managers and bilingual recycling educators assigned to help Seattle residents and businesses reduce waste and two battery-electric Class 6 box trucks, which will be used by the Waste Management Think Green Seattle Street Crew, which will be on the job soon to keep downtown alleys clean and provide special collection services.