Waste Management to launch new green fleet of garbage trucks in Seattle

Waste Management, Houston, announces it is launching a new green fleet of recycling, compost and garbage trucks in the city of Seattle. The fleet of 101 vehicles will be powered by either renewable natural gas (RNG) or by electricity.

The new Waste Management fleet includes:

• Ninety-one collection trucks equipped with the new Cummins Westport ISL G Near Zero engine and powered by RNG. According to the company, the heavy-duty engine is the cleanest ever certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). RNG is better for the environment because it is not a fossil fuel and it generates lower emissions than other fuel alternatives—70 percent lower than traditional diesel and 65 percent lower than compressed natural gas (CNG). RNG begins as a biogas when garbage decays inside landfills. Waste Management uses underground vacuum systems in its landfills to collect the biogas so it can be cleaned and loaded into pipeline infrastructure.
• Eight Nissan Leaf electric support vehicles for use by Waste Management route managers and bilingual recycling educators assigned to help Seattle residents and businesses reduce waste.
• Two battery-electric Class 6 box trucks, which will be used by the Waste Management Think Green Seattle Street Crew, which will be on the job soon to keep downtown alleys clean and provide special collection services.

The new fleet and enhanced services are the result of a new contract between Seattle Public Utilities and Waste Management. Waste Management provides service to residents and businesses in approximately 60 percent of the city.