Republic Services to expand CNG-powered fleet

Republic Services Inc., Phoenix, has announced it is continuing to expand its natural gas-powered fleet as it makes progress toward its greenhouse gas reduction goals. The company says it will operate an additional 156 solid waste collection trucks powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) throughout the country by the end of 2019, bringing the total number of vehicles running on alternative fuels to more than 3,100.

With one of the largest vocational fleets in the country, Republic's CNG fleet saves roughly 26 million gallons of diesel fuel annually, the company says in a news release. The new CNG-powered trucks replace older, diesel-powered vehicles and help decrease air emissions and reduce unwanted noise. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each new CNG truck deployed is equivalent to planting 600 mature trees each year, Republic says.

"The Republic Services team cares deeply about protecting the environment today and for generations to come," says Pete Keller, Republic’s vice president of recycling and sustainability. "With an expanding fleet comprised of vehicles that produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions, we're making a difference throughout the communities we serve."

In July, Republic unveiled long-term sustainability goals, which include a climate change target designed to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030. This emissions reduction target is approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

For more information about Republic Services' sustainability platform and to view the latest reports, visit its website.