The trucks that collect recycling, food waste and garbage in Renton are now cleaner and quieter, because of a new initiative by the City of Renton and Waste Management.
Waste Management is now servicing Renton with 19 new clean-air trucks, powered by compressed natural gas for a smaller carbon footprint. The trucks are delivering distinct environmental benefits for Renton, including nearly zero air particulate and 23 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The engines also run quieter than traditional diesel engines, resulting in quieter trucks and less noise in neighborhoods and business districts.
Mayor Denis Law and Rob Sherman of Waste Management officially christened the clean air trucks Monday at an outdoor celebration at IKEA in Renton. IKEA is a Waste Management customer and is recognized as a global sustainability leader.
“This initiative with Waste Management is really all about cleaner air and quieter streets,” said Law. “It is another opportunity to improve the quality of life for Renton citizens, and an important step forward for this community’s sustainable future.”
Sherman, director of operations for Waste Management-Puget Sound, called the city a model of sustainability leadership for clean air as well as waste reduction. He noted that the city was a frontrunner in waste reduction efforts to divert food scraps for use in compost.
“Waste Management understands that waste reduction and clean air are both critically important to the City of Renton,” Sherman said. “This is another WM investment to help our community partners achieve their aggressive sustainability goals.”
Waste Management operates the world’s largest fleet of heavy-duty trucks powered by clean-burning natural gas. Across the Puget Sound region, WM also operates clean air trucks in Seattle and will soon launch the cleaner, quieter trucks in the cities of Kirkland, Auburn and Federal Way.
Renton’s new trucks are also green-certified by Evergreen Fleets, a program of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition. Certification is awarded to recognize fleets for smart and efficient fleet management policies that deliver environmental benefits.
