134 diesel powered vehicles, including 15 heavy goods vehicles and 81 vans, will be powered by hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of diesel. The swap will see a 90% reduction in its net carbon emissions.

HVO is made by the hydro-processing of oils and fats and is an alternative to the standard diesel previously used by the vehicles. The fuel is made from 100% waste material only, that would otherwise end up in landfill causing more harm to the environment. It will mean reduced emissions, and its longer-term storage stability will make it a complete replacement for the previous fuel.

Councillor Simon Speller Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:

“This is another step that shows our commitment to reaching net zero by 2030. So far, we have reduced our emissions by about 39% as an organisation since we set our baseline in 2018. With this swap, we are achieving an additional 22% reduction in our carbon emissions.”

“We know that there is still more for us to do – this includes exploring electric vehicles and other alternatives as the technology develops but in the meantime our vegetable oil powered bin lorries will do their bit to fight climate change and keep our residents’ bins emptied!”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Henry, said:

“We’re committed to reducing our emissions and doing our bit to help tackle climate change, both as a council and as a major employer in Stevenage.

“Our efforts are focused on cutting emissions from the buildings that we own and operate, the services we provide, our regeneration, and our council homes. There is still more for us to do but our progress so far shows our commitment to a low carbon and sustainable future for our town and for the planet.”

This follows six heavy-duty vehicles being fitted with solar panels last year. The panels power the onboard electric system on the bin lorries, which saves over 19 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.