CENTRE COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — A new development in powering long haul trucking in our region is being cited as the “first in the nation,” along with having environmental and cost savings benefits.
At the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, much of their fleet is fueled by natural gas.
“Ten years ago, garbage trucks and recycling trucks started running on natural gas. Now, 65 percent of the new garbage trucks are natural gas garbage trucks.
But most of the non-recyclable trash gathered in Centre County goes to Cambria County, to the Laurel Highlands landfill.
“It’s about 65 to 70 miles, so yeah, it’s a pretty good haul.”
Until this week, that mileage covered using diesel powered trucks, but on Thursday, a new fleet rolled out, with new upgraded engines, powered by natural gas.
“We believe it is going to have the power to pull eighty thousand pounds to the landfill in Johnstown. Which has quite a significant grade for the tractor. It’s a difficult task.”
The new, natural gas engine development is a test run of sorts, especially in this type of usage.
“These tractors are probably the first of their kind in the nation.”
And there is also something new at the landfill.
“We have other haulers that bring material into our facility, but this is something Centre County is at the forefront of.”
Hauling trash, with less environmental impact, in a more economical way.