UK-based Hills Waste Solutions trials renewable diesel in its Bristol fleet of garbage trucks

Photo: Hills Waste Solutions

U.K.-based Hills Waste Solutions announced in June that its Bristol fleet will be powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in a trial that, if successful, will be rolled out across its other transport depots.

HVO, also known as renewable diesel, is derived from 100 percent renewable raw materials and sustainable waste from verified vegetable oils and fats.

By using the HVO fuel supplied by Certas Energy, Hills will help reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 percent compared to traditional diesel.

This is on top of the benefits already realized through using Euro 6-compliant vehicles.

“This is a large step towards a more sustainable future at Hills Waste Solutions,” the company stated.

“All frontline trucks operating from our Bristol depot are already compliant [with London’s ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ)], so we have chosen to go the extra mile and fuel our fleet with HVO, as it can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent,” said Nathan Carr, Hills Waste Solutions’ divisional fleet manager.  

HVO fuel is also 100 percent biodegradable, meaning it leaves a less harmful footprint on the planet. 

“Operationally, the transition to HVO fuel couldn’t be smoother,” the company said. “Our trucks can run on a blend of diesel and HVO, or switch to 100 percent HVO without any impact to performance. In addition, there are no conversion costs for our trucks or to the fuel storage areas, making the switch both environmentally and financially attractive.”

Neil Luce, the operations manager at Hills Waste Solutions, added, “This move isn’t just about Hills Waste Solutions, it’s about supporting businesses serviced by our Bristol depot that share our commitment to sustainability. By utilizing HVO-powered waste-collection vehicles, we’re enabling businesses to reduce their end-to-end environmental impact, not just within their own operations but as part of their sustainability commitments applied to their supply chain.”

Craig Dando, Certas Energy’s senior business-development manager, said, “We are thrilled to be supplying our premium HVO fuel to Hills Waste Solutions. This project is a great example of our shared vision for a sustainable future and, together, we are proud to be making strides towards a responsible energy mix.”

Hills Waste Solutions said its decision to embrace HVO fuel is a commitment to sustainable waste management.

“We’re committed to powering our operations in the most environmentally friendly way possible,” Hills stated. “We already plan our routes to minimize the mileage traveled and train our drivers to drive more efficiently. We will continue to explore innovative ways to help our customers reuse materials, reduce waste and recycle more, while reducing emissions. … With environmental responsibilities a key consideration, every reduction in emissions counts, and Hills Waste Solutions is keen to be at the forefront of this change.”