All collection vehicles now run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which is also known as renewable diesel, rather than diesel. This change makes them 90% cleaner compared to previous diesel models. New renewable diesel storage tanks are installed at our Buntingford and Letchworth depots, giving a constant supply.
60 new recycling and waste collection vehicles that run on renewable diesel or HVO, a liquid fuel derived from renewable sources, including from used vegetable oil, have been rolled out across East and North Hertfordshire to replace older diesel vehicles. This will benefit residents as HVO creates lower levels of air pollution than diesel, producing less nitrogen oxide (NOX) and particulate matter. Added to this, HVO cuts greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), by 90% compared with diesel.
More efficient collection routes have also been introduced across both districts. This will further improve air quality by significantly reducing the time each vehicle spends on the roads, while decreasing the number of trips vehicles take to deposit recycling and waste to Transfer Stations.
24 smaller vehicles, including street cleansing vehicles and ebikes, are also being introduced and will operate on fully electric power.
Veolia is working in partnership with East and North Herts Councils to support the Councils’ sustainability goals and reduce carbon emissions while delivering recycling, waste collection and street cleansing services over the next eight years.
Ilana Shaw, Divisional Head of Municipal Operations at Veolia, said: “Veolia has significant experience in managing the transition to alternative fuels and it’s wonderful to be supporting East Herts and North Herts Councils with this move to greener fuels for the local collection fleet.
“Making this change will create a more sustainable service for residents by reducing emissions that impact on the environment, which also contributes towards Veolia's wider goal of ecological transformation.”
Councillor Tim Hoskin, Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability at East Herts Council, said: “This rollout shows how the council and Veolia are working together to improve air quality for the health of our communities. At the same time, residents will benefit from quieter, cleaner collections as a result of this new fleet, while maintaining high standards of service. Moving
to cleaner fuels and electric vehicles will also reduce carbon emissions across East Hertfordshire as part of our commitment to achieving a net zero position by 2030.”
Councillor Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment at North Herts Council, said: We’re proud to be working with Veolia to introduce greener, cleaner vehicles across East and North Herts. This investment in alternative fuels and electric power is a big step towards reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality for our residents. It’s a practical way we can tackle climate change locally while delivering essential services more sustainably.’