The fuel consumed for waste collection (and consequently the air emissions) varies depending mostly on the technology of the refuse collection trucks and the levels of source separation achieved, since more separation requires more collection routes. Therefore the use of low emission vehicles is a solution to improve the environmental performance of the municipal solid waste collection operations.
Frontrunners consider the use of low emission vehicles in their administered territories when they need to purchase new refuse collection trucks or are called to renew/extend lease agreements for providing refuse collection trucks. The available technology options have been prioritised and local authorities in charge of waste management or waste management companies can consult them:
- stop/start and idle shut-off;
- low rolling resistance tyres;
- hybrid vehicles;
- dedicated natural gas/biomethane vehicles or dual-fuel vehicles (diesel/gas);
- electrically powered vehicles.