Liverpool City Council unveils biogas-powered refuse trucks

The city has cut its carbon emissions by 18% since 2012

The City Council has agreed a deal for 20 new Mercedes-Benz refuse collection trucks that will run on compressed natural gas (CNG). According to the council, the vehicles will produce 80% less carbon, 90% less nitrogen oxide pollutants and cut fuel costs by 35% compared to diesel-powered alternatives.

The Econic NGT 2630 L models will be operated by Liverpool Streetscene Services (LSSL), and will cover more than 150,000 miles a year, mainly in the city, collectively.

LSSL’s head of service for Refuse and Recycling Harvey Mitchell said: “These gas-powered trucks are much cleaner, and also quieter, than traditional refuse collection vehicles, so we’re confident they’ll make a real difference to the local environment.

“At the same time, they benefit from the very high levels of reliability, safety and user-friendly design that our older diesel-engined Econics have been delivering for years.”

A total of £3.4m has been invested in the biogas-powered vehicles and the LSSL, which is a subsidiary of the council, has fitted a CNG refuelling station at its collection depot.

Liverpool City Council previously being at the forefront of innovative climate policies, including a partnership with a blockchain platform company to offset more than 110% of its carbon emissions, and aiming to become the world’s first climate-positive city by the end of 2020.

The city also has a climate change strategic framework which examines how climate change affects the area, and outlines current impacts on climate and the steps taken to reduce this. It also sets out what needs to be done to measure and manage activities to meet goals.

Plans have also been issued to put together a climate resilience policy across the Liverpool City Region.

The city of Liverpool has a strong track record when it comes to carbon reductions. The city has cut its emissions by 18% since 2012, and looks set to reach a 35% reduction by the end of the year.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Our investment in this new fleet of refuse vehicles is a great statement of intent in our goal to make Liverpool a cleaner and greener city. These safe and efficient vehicles give collection teams the right tools to ensure residents receive a reliable service.”

Matt Mace

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