Green Initiatives
Allied Waste Adds Natural Gas Trucks to Idaho Fleet and Opens Natural Gas Fueling Station - Fall 2009
We pride ourselves in doing everything possible to minimize our environmental impact. That's why in June 2009 we launched a fleet of natuaral gas-powered trucks in Ada County, in August 2009 we built an on-site natural gas fueling station in Ada County, and now we're moving over to Canyon County. Our new Canyon County natural gas fueling station and fleet will be open and running by fall 2010.
The natural gas we burn in our trucks is the same fuel many of us use at home for cooking and winter heating...it's that clean.
The change from biodiesel to natural gas will improve air quality in the Treasure Valley by cutting our emissions. Each diesel truck we replace with a natural gas truck is equivalent to pulling 323 cars off the road...every day. To date we have replaced 36 of our old diesel trucks.
Some words from Mayor Bieter...
Moving an entire city's waste from home and business to landfill and recycling center takes many trucks that burn gallons of fuel and potentially create tons of air pollution.
Boise changed the latter part of that equation for the better this week with the opening of Allied Waste Services' compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station. The first of its kind in Idaho, the CNG station and the trucks that use it will help improve our valley's air quality, reduce greenhouse emissions and increase our energy independence.
Compressed natural gas is a domestic resource and a cleaner-burning fuel than gas or diesel. Allied Waste is currently serving Boise with 12 CNG trucks; another 28 diesel trucks, a significant portion of Allied Waste's fleet, is scheduled to be replaced with CNG trucks.
Even more exciting, Allied is also constructing a public fueling station, set to open in 2010, which will make it possible for individuals, fleet operators and local governments to switch to CNG fuel.
The whole project stems from an investment made four years ago, when Boise and other valley governments and organizations applied for and received "Clean City" designation by the federal government. That designation qualified us for a $5.5 million stimulus matching grant that paid for the public fueling equipment, additional CNG trucks and various site improvements.
This project is a perfect example of how through partnerships such as the Clean Cities Coalition, we can make real progress in lowering our carbon footprint and improving the quality of our air.
Until next time ...
Mayor Dave Bieter
As community partners we do our part to upgrade technology and operational efficiencies in an effort to lead the waste management industry in Idaho. To learn more about what we're doing to reduce our environmental impact, click on the "green initiatives" link.
For tips on how you can help, visit our Green Advice, Green Tip of the Week, and free on-site waste consultations pages.
Allied Waste is a proud member of the Treasure Valley Clean Cities Coalition.
