Republic Services Expands Natural Gas Fleet in Denver Area

Republic Services has added 17 new compressed natural gas (CNG) solid waste collection trucks to its fleet serving customers throughout the greater Denver area. The CNG trucks replace older diesel-powered trucks and bring the total number of natural gas vehicles operated by the company throughout Colorado to 108.

"We are passionate about sustainability and understand its importance to our customers," said Randy Johnson, general manager of Republic Services' Denver hauling division, in a statement. "This fleet upgrade represents a significant investment in cleaner, safer and more efficient vehicles for the Denver community. It also embodies the responsibility we assume for doing our part to preserve Colorado's considerable natural beauty for future generations."

Republic Services operates a natural gas fueling station at its Commerce City location, which supports its expanding Denver-based CNG fleet. Half of the company's fleet serving the greater Denver metropolitan area is now powered by this domestic fuel source.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, each new CNG collection truck deployed is equivalent to planting 600 mature trees each year. The carbon emissions reduction benefits from the entire CNG-powered fleet in Colorado is equivalent to planting more than 64,800 mature trees annually, according to Republic Services.

The company noted it operates the seventh largest vocational fleet in the country, and its CNG fleet saves roughly 26 million gallons of diesel fuel annually. In addition, the company explained its multiyear commitment to convert its fleet to vehicles that operate on CNG and renewable natural gas (RNG) is resulting in reduced fleet greenhouse gas emissions while reducing fuel usage.

Republic Services of Denver employs 300 people and includes 165 collection trucks serving more than 185 homeowners associations and municipalities, as well as more than 8,000 commercial customers. It also owns and operates two landfills and a hauling division in the Denver metropolitan area.

Known as the Blue Planet sustainability initiative, the company stated it is defining its approach to environmental responsibility through increased recycling, decreased vehicle emissions, the production and use of renewable energy, community engagement and employee growth opportunities.