Garbage trucks are kind of like Rodney Dangerfield: They get no respect, although they are working hard to keep us happy. But now, in addition to keeping our towns safe and livable, one waste management company is helping to clean up the environment.
On June 8, Waste Management of New Jersey, based in Houston, Texas, cut the ribbon at the first public-access compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station in Camden and announced plans to convert its regional fleet to this clean-burning, environmentally-friendly fuel. Joining Waste Management at the event were officials from PetroCard, a leading fuel distributor based in Kent, Washington; the City of Camden, the State of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition.
The new "Clean N' Green Fuel" public fueling station, to be operated by PetroCard, is the first such facility in Camden County. New Jersey, and will sell CNG to commercial fleets as well as individuals with CNG-equipped vehicles, at prices typically one-third below the cost of gasoline and diesel.
In addition to cost savings, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the use of CNG reduces particulate matter emissions by 86 percent, carbon monoxide emissions by 80 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 32 percent, and greenhouse emissions by 25 percent. As an additional benefit, CNG–fueled trucks run 50 percent quieter than diesel trucks.
Waste Management of New Jersey recently acquired 14 CNG collection trucks and expects to have 45 CNG vehicles in service by the end of the summer—representing nearly half its Camden-based fleet and covering routes in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties. Deploying these vehicles will help Waste Management achieve its sustainability goal of reducing fleet emissions by 15 percent and increasing fuel efficiency by 15 percent by 2020. Waste Management currently operates the largest fleet of CNG recycling and waste collection trucks in North America.
"We are dedicated to doing business in the most sustainable way possible, while providing our customers with outstanding service," said John Morris, Area Vice President for Waste Management of New Jersey. "Natural gas powered vehicles run cleaner and quieter, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution. Our 45 new CNG trucks will reduce emissions equivalent to taking 3,500 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road."
"CNG is an environmentally-friendly, alternative fuel that is ready and available today," said Steve Tolton, CEO of PetroCard. "Our partnership with Waste Management has made it more convenient for fleets and consumers with CNG vehicles to reduce emissions and save money. This fueling station will enable additional private and public fleet operators to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of CNG."
"The City of Camden is truly committed to cleaning up our neighborhoods and our environment," said Mayor Dana L. Redd. "Working in partnership with Waste Management and PetroCard, today we continue to build upon our green initiatives. From our Camden Clean Campaign, to improving our recycling collection, to our new CNG station, we are all doing our part to make our city 'Cleaner and Greener' and to move Camden forward."
CNG is sold in gasoline gallon equivalents (GGEs), with each GGE having the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline. Vehicles using CNG typically have similar or better fuel economy ratings than standard gasoline or diesel vehicles. Current pricing at the Camden "Clean N' Green Fuel" station is in the range of $1.759/GGE.
Diesel and gasoline have jumped 40 percent in price over the past year despite flat demand. In comparison, CNG is a domestically sourced fuel with stable supplies and more predictable long-term pricing.
The Camden CNG fueling facility was built by Clean Energy (News - Alert). Construction was funded by Waste Management and PetroCard with financial assistance from the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition.
For more information, visit the Waste Management website.
Cheryl Kaften is an accomplished communicator who has written for consumer and corporate audiences. She has worked extensively for MasterCard (News - Alert) Worldwide, Philip Morris USA (Altria), and KPMG, and has consulted for Estee Lauder and the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspapers. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Juliana Kenny
