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Steering Toward Lower Emissions
Sustainability powers everything we do, and now some of the trucks in our fleet are powered by electricity too.Byline: BTB Editor
May 24, 2023 / Time to read: 5 minAt Republic Services, our customers depend on us for sustainable solutions in their businesses, homes and communities. Across all industries and walks of life, we’re committed to developing innovative solutions in our pursuit of curbing climate change. Sustainability powers everything we do, and now some of the trucks in our fleet are powered by electricity too.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are one of the solutions Republic Services has implemented to help build a cleaner and more sustainable future. We’re dedicated to reducing emissions across our operations and in the communities we serve, which is why we’re proud to be stepping up our fleet electrification efforts.
Fleet electrification hits the road in Idaho and North Carolina
Our fleet of electric trucks is 3 to 4 times more fuel efficient than diesel trucks, which is why they’re an innovative solution for recycling and waste services. During their collection routes, our trucks often drive short and consistent distances, operate at slower speeds and may stop hundreds of times throughout the day before returning to a charging base overnight, making them well-suited to run on electricity.
In 2021, we began the first collection routes utilizing our electric fleet, getting EVs on the road in Idaho and North Carolina, where they are already delivering substantial economic and environmental benefits to local communities. Currently, we operate a total of 7 EVs in our collection routes. The EV trucks in Idaho can complete an entire collection route and be powered for 10 hours on a single charge before needing to recharge overnight. These EVs boast zero tailpipe emissions and up to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over diesel fuel. In addition, EVs provide a cleaner, quieter experience for communities.
Innovation off the road
Republic Services has one of the largest fleets on the road every day and we’re pleased to have more of those vehicles running on sustainable energy sources. But we’re not only reducing emissions on the road, we’re also bringing energy-efficient solutions to our heavy equipment fleet by rolling out hybrid bulldozers at our landfills. These bulldozers use an average of 19% less fuel than their diesel counterparts and offer a reduced idle time, resulting in lower emissions.
If you want to learn about Republic Services’ sustainability efforts, browse through our resource center!
