TFC Recycling, Chesapeake, Va., a provider of home waste and recycling services in the Mid-Atlantic areas of Virginia and North Carolina, has unveiled its first truck powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).
During an open house at TFC’s Chesapeake headquarters in late July 2011, the company showed off the vehicle, which will have a lower carbon footprint because it burns 30 percent cleaner than diesel fuel and will generate 15 percent less noise. TFC says it is looking to purchase more CNG-powered trucks to save money and improve the environment.
Michael Benedetto, president of TFC Recycling, says, “CNG is a domestic renewable energy source with substantial proven reserves in this country. Maintenance costs are lower, and unlike petroleum fuels, the price of CNG can be fixed. But beyond the business benefits, this renewable energy source is just better for the community because of its lower emissions. We can’t wait to have a full fleet of CNG trucks someday.”
Benedetto also says despite the cost to purchase a CNG vehicle being far more than a conventional diesel-powered truck, TFC purchased the vehicle to demonstrate its environmental consciousness. “It was an environmental decision for us.”
Along with the cost, there are other adjustments and challenges to using the CNG vehicles. Right now there is no CNG station in the area TFC is aware of, Benedetto points out, which requires TFC to adjust its collection routes to ensure the CNG vehicle is able to be fueled.
“We looked at CNG vehicles in the past and decided to purchase one,” he adds.