By October 1st, the fueling station will refuel Waste Management’s local fleet and by early next year, make CNG available to commercial fleets and private individuals with CNG-equipped vehicles.  Helping Waste Management in this sustainable initiative are Metro Waste Authority, MidAmerica Energy Company and the City of Des Moines.

“Since natural gas-powered collection trucks are the sustainable choice, we are committed to adding CNG-fueled recycling and waste trucks.  In addition to providing cleaner and quieter local operations with CNG trucks, we are happy to support our community by opening a public CNG station,” said Kent Harrell, area vice president for Waste Management of Iowa.  “We are dedicated to providing our customers in this region and across the country with outstanding service while being a positive environmental contributor in the communities we serve.”

In turn, Eric Woods, vice president of Fleet & Logistics, Waste Management, said: “We have the largest fleet of CNG recycling and waste collection trucks in North America. Each additional Class 8 diesel truck we replace with natural gas reduces diesel use by an average of 8,000 gallons per year and cuts annual greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 22 metric tons.”

In 2012, natural gas vehicles will represent 80 percent of Waste Management’s annual new truck purchases and continue for the next five years.  Waste Management has also opened 28 CNG fueling stations in North America and plans to have 50 in operation by the end of 2012.   

Source: Waste Management.