South Hams council reveals how its bin lorries are cutting carbon emissions
A Devon council is exploring ways to cut emissions from its waste fleet after a trial using hydrotreated vegetable oil delivered significant reductions
Four bin lorries running on recycled cooking oil have helped a Devon council achieve a significant cut in its carbon emissions.
South Hams District Council is now considering extending the successful trial.
“The council is turning its climate ambitions into practical action,” said Cllr Nadine Dommett (Lib Dem, Ivybridge West), who is leading the council’s decarbonisation drive.
A trial using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of diesel resulted in carbon emission reductions of between 79 per cent and 89 per cent.
The lorries experienced no reliability issues and did not need to be modified.
HVO also improved fuel efficiency in the larger collection vehicles, which make frequent stop-start journeys.
The district council said that while switching to electric vehicles remains its long-term priority for smaller vans and light commercial vehicles, its larger trucks could run on HVO until suitable battery technology becomes available.
Introducing HVO across the entire waste fleet could reduce annual emissions by an estimated 1,210 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, according to the council.
The council is now considering extending the trial at its Ivybridge and Torr Quarry depots for a further six months.
Cllr Nadine Dommett added: “The results of the HVO trial are extremely encouraging.
“They show that we can make a significant and immediate reduction in emissions from our larger collection vehicles while we continue working towards longer-term, zero-emission alternatives.
“At the same time, our investment in solar energy is helping our leisure centres generate their own clean electricity, reduce their running costs and become more sustainable for the future.”
More than 300 solar panels have been installed on the roof of Quayside Leisure Centre in Kingsbridge.
The district council has also committed to installing solar panels at its leisure centres in Ivybridge, Dartmouth and Totnes.
“There is no single solution to reducing our carbon footprint,” said Cllr Dommett.
“It requires a range of carefully considered steps, from renewable energy and more efficient buildings to cleaner vehicles and better use of fuel.
“Together, these projects show the positive progress we are making towards a cleaner, greener and more resilient South Hams.”