Republic Services expands CNG fleet in LA County

Phoenix-based Republic Services has announced the addition of 11 compressed natural gas (CNG) solid waste collection trucks to its fleet serving customers throughout the greater Gardena, California, area.

 

The CNG trucks replace older diesel-powered trucks, bringing the total number of CNG vehicles operated by Republic in Gardena to 176.

 

“These new vehicles support our efforts to reduce carbon emissions from our fleet vehicles,” saysRon Krall, area president of Republic Services. “It means that almost 200 of our collection vehicles serving the Gardena and surrounding areas are fueled by CNG, which aligns with Republic’s long-term sustainability strategy.”

 

Republic’s Gardena division has 243 employees who serve more than 1.05 million homeowners associations and municipalities, as well as more than 171,329 commercial customers. Republic Services says it operates a fueling station at its Gardena location to support its expanding CNG fleet. The solid waste management company says 76 percent of Republic’s fleet serving the Gardena community is now powered CNG. Republic also owns and operates one landfill, six transfer stations, one recycling center and six hauling operations throughout Los Angeles County.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each new CNG collection truck deployed is equivalent to planting over 600 mature trees each year. Based on EPA calculations, the carbon emissions reduction benefits from Republic’s CNG powered fleet in California is equivalent to planting 105,600 mature trees.

Nationwide, Republic Services operates a fleet of more than 2,200 CNG vehicles and 38 natural gas fueling stations. Republic says its CNG fleet helps to save roughly 18 million gallons of diesel fuel annually. As the operator of the eighth largest vocational fleet in the country, Republic says the company has a number of initiatives to reduce overall fuel usage, including its continued commitment to operating CNG-powered trucks. Together, these initiatives will help Republic reach its goal, outlined in the 2014 Sustainability Report, of reducing fleet greenhouse gas emissions by 3 percent by 2018, according to the company.

Through Republic’s Blue Planet™ sustainability initiative, the company says it is defining its approach to environmental responsibility through decreased vehicle emissions, innovative landfill technologies, use of renewable energy, community engagement and employee growth opportunities. To view Republic’s 2014 Sustainability Report, visit www.republicservices.com/sustainabilityreport.