A South Nottinghamshire council is converting its fleet of bin lorries to run on waste oil provided by supermarkets and other suppliers.

Rushcliffe Borough Council said it should cut its HGV carbon emissions by 90% when the 21 frontline refuse vehicles commence running on HVO fuel from April.

The council said they contribute to more than 80% of its total fleet emissions and that HVO is being seen as an alternative and interim option while it considers other fuels in the coming years.

It wants to be carbon neutral by 2030.

May will see a further roll out to some of the smaller vehicles in the overall fleet of 60 across the council’s waste and streetwise functions.

Councillor Rob Inglis, cabinet portfolio holder for environment and safety, said: “This is an exceptionally positive move as we pass another landmark towards our bin lorry operations helping reduce their impact on the environment.

“HVO offers a good, reliable transitional arrangement which will work well for our borough contributing to our 2030 target of being carbon neutral.

“It will not affect the day to day running of our vehicles and requires no major vehicle maintenance changes.”

Councillor Inglis said it would explore the potential of 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,” he added.

“HVO is being used more and more in commercial applications and the move follows many large multinational businesses that have endorsed HVO for their vehicles.

“Our refuse teams can’t wait to use the vehicles and play their part for a better environment across Rushcliffe.”

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