The use of vegetable oil to power waste-collection vehicles in a green initiative has made a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions in Wychavon. By implementing a new fuel derived from Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), the council has successfully cut carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to regular diesel.
The transition to HVO marks the first phase of an investment scheme by the council, aimed at supporting its waste and recycling partner firm, FCC Environment, in transitioning their entire vehicle fleet from diesel to HVO. The council plans to invest £270,000 over the next two years to facilitate this transition, which will also include street sweeping vehicles. This move is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of waste and recycling operations until electric vehicles (EV) become a viable option.
The council has conducted trials on electric refuse collection vehicles (e-RCVs), but has faced challenges due to their size and relatively short battery life, rendering these trials unsuccessful. However, the council remains open to future tests on potential EVs.
The transition to a decarbonized waste and recycling scheme falls under Wychavon’s Intelligently Green Plan, which aims to reduce the council’s carbon emissions by 75% by 2030. Councillor Beverley Hardman, the executive board member for boosting natural capital on Wychavon District Council, expressed enthusiasm for the use of HVO and hopes for further emission reductions as more of the fleet transitions to this alternative fuel. She acknowledged the challenges of using e-RCVs in rural areas but remains optimistic that advancements in technology will eventually lead to their permanent presence on the streets of Wychavon.
The council’s green initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and showcases the potential for sustainable practices in waste management.
