"By implementing several key steps, Surrey will have a refuse and recycling fleet by 2014 powered, not by diesel fuel, but by a renewable form of natural gas made from the city's own wastes," said Energy Vision president Joanna D. Underwood, author of the document. "Surrey's ambitious initiative is the first we have seen in the U.S. or Canada, in which municipal officials have assumed a leadership role in orchestrating this type of closed loop system."

According to the seven-year contract, which goes into effect in October 2012, the city has required use of natural gas trucks as a condition of its Request For Proposal (RFP). The bid winner, BFI Canada, will purchase 70-75 CNG trucks to perform the service. In addition, Surrey will collect separated organics, which will go to a new organics biofuel facility, due to begin operation in 2014, where the gases produced by these wastes will be processed into fuel for BFI's trucks.

"We believe it's important for governments to demonstrate leadership by advancing new technologies, reducing energy consumption and creating healthier communities. We have focused on making the right choices and taking concrete actions to advance sustainability in our operations and in our community," said Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts.

Source: Energy Vision