OREANDA-NEWS. Republic Services announced today the addition of eight Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) solid waste collection trucks to its fleet serving customers throughout the greater Raleigh area. The CNG trucks replace older diesel-powered trucks, and bring the total number of natural gas vehicles operated by Republic throughout North Carolina to 25.
"Natural gas-powered collection trucks run cleaner and quieter," said Drew Isenhour, area president of Republic Services. "We're dedicated to providing our customers with outstanding service while doing business in the most sustainable manner possible. This also embodies the responsibility we assume for doing our part to preserve North Carolina's natural beauty for future generations."

Republic's Raleigh Hauling Division has 100 employees who serve approximately 8,000 local Homeowners Associations, municipalities, and commercial customers. Republic also owns and operates six landfills, eight transfer stations, four recycling centers, and 18 hauling divisions throughout the state of North Carolina.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each new CNG collection truck deployed is equivalent to planting over 600 mature trees each year. Based on EPA calculations, the carbon emissions reduction benefits from Republic's CNG powered fleet in North Carolina is equivalent to planting 15,000 mature trees or removing 137 cars off the road annually.

Nationwide, Republic Services operates a fleet of more than 2,200 CNG vehicles and 38 natural gas fueling stations. Republic's CNG fleet helps to save roughly 18 million gallons of diesel fuel annually. As the operator of the 8th largest vocational fleet in the country, Republic has a number of initiatives to reduce overall fuel usage, including its continued commitment to operating CNG powered trucks. Together, these initiatives will help Republic reach its goal, outlined in the 2014 Sustainability Report, of reducing fleet greenhouse gas emissions by three percent by 2018.

Republic is dedicated to maintaining a balance between its business operations and protecting the environment and communities it serves. Known as the Blue PlanetTM sustainability initiative, the Company is defining its approach to environmental responsibility through decreased vehicle emissions, innovative landfill technologies, use of renewable energy, community engagement and employee growth opportunities.