Displaying the message “Think Green, Breathe Clean, Compressed Natural Gas”, the CNG trucks will be quieter and cleaner than the old diesel-powered fleet, reported the local DEP. “Financially we have a lot of costs savings. But, environmentally, and just our customer service to the community savings are much greater,” said Jerald Boyd from the Unity Disposal and Recycling, which operates garbage units for the county.
According to the County Executive Ike Leggett, this is “just the beginning” and Montgomery is leading the way in the Mid-Atlantic by initiating this program. “From here on all county contract refuse and recycling trucks will be new energy-efficient models that meet the 2010 EPA emissions requirements,” Leggett said.
“The new CNG refuse trucks meet the stringent 2010 heavy duty diesel vehicle emission standards, producing far less smog forming compounds and particulate matter,” stated Bob Hoyt, director of Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection.
The first 20 trucks are now in operation. Twenty additional trucks will enter service July 1st and the remaining 60 vehicles will be phased during the next two years.
