Waste collection lorries powered by biofuels

A council in Surrey in the UK has transitioned 28 of its waste collection trucks from diesel to biofuel in an effort to cut carbon emissions.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council announced that the vehicles are now running on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable diesel alternative, which is expected to reduce emissions from each truck by at least 76%.

According to the council, this change will prevent around 500 tonnes of carbon from being released into the atmosphere annually — roughly equivalent to the amount of electricity needed to power up to 500 flats for a year.

Hannah Avery, the council’s executive member for neighbourhood services, said the move would lower the operational carbon footprint of the waste fleet by at least 25%, calling it a “significant step” toward achieving the authority’s net-zero target by 2030.

She added that the council is also working on plans to replace the remaining vehicles with electric or other low-carbon alternatives in the future.

HVO, produced from waste materials like used cooking oil, is regarded as a cleaner and more sustainable substitute for fossil fuels. Ms Avery highlighted that the switch would not only cut emissions but also improve local air quality, describing the decision as a “socially and environmentally responsible investment.”

The initiative follows the council’s approval of plans in December 2023 to reduce emissions from its waste collection fleet.