What's unique about the newest recycling and trash trucks used by our contracted hauling companies? They are fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). In fact, they are the first CNG solid waste collection vehicles in Maryland!
We have 20 CNG trucks on the road right now. They are serving neighborhoods in Bethesda and Silver Spring/Kemp Mill. Our contractors expect to add another 21 CNG trucks to their fleets in Fall 2010.
Why CNG? One of the benefits is that these vehicles create less pollution than conventional diesel-fueled trucks.
Here's a side view of a CNG recycling truck at Montgomery County's Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station:
Photo credit: G.A. Corrick
Here's the same truck from the rear. It has a "split hopper" design: the left compartment holds commingled recyclables -- the items you set out in your blue bins -- and the right compartment holds mixed paper.
Photo credit: G.A. Corrick
