Eagle-eyed residents may have noticed a subtle change to Ruddington’s waste and recycling lorries this month – to significantly more ‘eco-friendly’ vehicles than before.
Identified by large, new decals on the side – featuring white lettering on a green background – Rushcliffe Borough Council’s new hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) bin lorries, which it’s claimed reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90 per cent – have now been rolled out in our village.
The introduction of the converted vehicles, powered solely by waste oil not used by supermarkets and other suppliers, comes as part of the authority’s ‘Carbon Clever’ project and ‘Environmental’ priority.
Altogether 21 frontline vehicles are making the switch to HVO power across Rushcliffe, with a further rollout to some of the smaller vehicles in the overall fleet of 60 across the Council’s waste and Streetwise functions also set to take place soon. These are said to contribute over 80 per cent of the Council’s total fleet emissions, and HVO will be used as an alternative and interim option to diesel whilst RBC considers further alternatives in the coming years. Its stated aim is to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2030.
HVO is a diesel-quality fuel, made by the hydro-processing of oils and fats, and is an alternative to the standard biodiesel used by the vehicles before. It will mean reduced nitrous oxide emissions; and its longer-term storage stability should make it a complete replacement for the previous fuel.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis {pictured above, 3rd from right} says: “It has been great to see the successful initial introduction of the new HVO bin lorries as we continue to implement strategies to help reduce their impact on the environment. This is an integral part of our journey to become net zero in our own operations by 2030, as HVO offers a good, reliable transitional arrangement that has not affected the day to day running of our vehicles.”
He adds: “We are continuing to explore electric vehicles and other alternatives as the technology develops, but further work is needed on charging infrastructure and suitability of electric vehicles due to the cost, range and rural nature of parts of our Borough. Our refuse teams are enjoying using the new vehicles and playing their part in creating a better environment across Rushcliffe.”
Here in Ruddington the now HVO-powered lorries have already been seen out collecting both blue bins {top} and grey bins {below} on alternate weeks this month.
