August 9, 2022. Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA), Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA) and Enbridge Gas Inc. (Enbridge Gas) unveiled the first-in-Ontario, carbon-negative refuse truck, fueled by renewable natural gas (RNG) produced by a local Ontario farm from largely cow manure.
The decomposition of agricultural waste generates methane gas, which is converted into RNG and used in place of diesel fuel. Diverting methane emissions that would otherwise be released into the air combined with eliminating C02 emissions from diesel fuel results in negative carbon emissions while also diverting farm waste and supporting local economic development.
The BRA’s RNG truck will displace CO2 emissions from 18,000 litres of diesel in the first six months. RNG trucks are half the cost of electric trucks and are priced similar to diesel trucks. Diesel trucks can be replaced one-for-one with RNG trucks without compromising performance. Like diesel, RNG operates during freezing weather conditions and refuelling takes minutes.
Today, there are more than 110 operating RNG facilities in North America: with ten of those in Canada. There are over 30 RNG projects in various stages of development or construction in Ontario.
Municipalities and businesses who operate fleets of waste collection vehicles like BRA and other OWMA members can achieve a zero-carbon footprint using RNG fuel, affordably and practically, without sacrificing performance, reliability, or range.