Bin lorries fuelled by vegetable oil rolled out in East Suffolk
It's a move that could cut carbon emissions by 30%
Bin lorries fuelled by vegetable oil are hitting the streets of East Suffolk, in a bid by the council to cut its carbon emissions.
The vehicles were ordered last year after the council approved plans to switch its diesel fleet to lorries fuelled by HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).
The change cuts carbon emissions by an average of more than 30%.
Fourteen vehicles which run on HVO have since been hired to replacing ageing diesel powered alternatives.
The council is now looking to buy up 23 new trucks with efficient Euro VI engine, as it updates its entire fleet within the next year.
East Suffolk Councillor James Mallinder said:
"I'm delighted.... that we have introduced Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil as a fuel for our waste trucks.
"This is making a really important difference in our carbon footprint, reducing it by over 30% for the council as a whole, and over 90% for the fleet – a real, meaningful change, making a difference to all our residents' lives.
"Our new trucks are efficient, clean and super green. You'll notice them out and about collecting your waste, and this is really important because it's reducing the carbon footprint across the whole of East Suffolk, making a difference, caring for our environment and making a sustainable environmental community for you and for future generations."