In a pilot project launched in October, Return-It began decarbonizing its haulage fleet in British Columbia by introducing Canada’s first-of-its-kind CNG hybrid electric compaction truck. The program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from beverage container recycling by up to 25% and reduce the number of transport vehicles on the road. Return-It plays a key role in helping BC meet the goals established in the province-wide CleanBC Plan.
“As the leading provincial product stewardship organization, we recognize that we can do more to decarbonize our transportation network and have a greater impact on greenhouse gas emissions,” said Allen Langdon, president and CEO of Return-It. “We are piloting this new technology as a first step toward transitioning across our entire fleet as part of the Return-It Modernization Program launched earlier this year.”
The new CNG hybrid powertrain, supplied by Hyliion, will not only release fewer emissions than existing diesel trucks, but combined with compaction technology, will help reduce the number of vehicle trips required to transport beverage containers from recycling stations to processing facilities. The compaction trailer units are produced by NexGen Municipal, a Canadian equipment solutions and services company and a pioneer in compaction technology.
The new truck will serve 16 recycling stations throughout the Lower Mainland during the pilot phase, which allows Return-It to evaluate the technology and capture data to inform the next steps in the transition. Return-It will also work with FortisBC during the pilot phase to identify opportunities to expand the use of CNG across the province, such as future access to CNG fueling stations to fuel Return-It’s fleet.
“Heavy-duty diesel trucks account for nearly a quarter of all transportation emissions in British Columbia,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “Organizations like Return-It that are adopting new technology with CNG hybrid vehicles for their return-to-base fleets are aiding the transition to low- and zero-emission trucks and helping us achieve our CleanBC goals.”
