Garbage trucks running on RNG from cow manure in Ontario

Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA), Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA) and Enbridge Gas Inc. (Enbridge Gas) announce the first-in-Ontario, carbon-negative refuse truck, fuelled by renewable natural gas (RNG) produced by a local Ontario farm from largely cow manure.

The decomposition of agricultural waste generates methane gas, which is converted into RNG and used in place of diesel fuel. Diverting methane emissions that would otherwise be released into the air combined with eliminating C02 emissions from diesel fuel results in negative carbon emissions while also diverting farm waste and supporting local economic development.

Quick facts:

• The BRA’s RNG truck will displace CO2 emissions from 18,000 litres of diesel in the first six months.
• RNG trucks are half the cost of electric trucks and are priced similar to diesel trucks.
• Diesel trucks can be replaced one-for-one with RNG trucks without compromising performance. Like diesel, RNG operates during freezing weather conditions and refuelling takes minutes.
• Today, there are more than 110 operating RNG facilities in North America: with 10 of those in Canada. There are over 30 RNG projects in various stages of development or construction in Ontario.

Municipalities and businesses who operate fleets of waste collection vehicles like BRA and other OWMA members can achieve a zero-carbon footprint using RNG fuel, affordably and practically, without sacrificing performance, reliability, or range.

“This project is a natural next step in the progressive conversion of our fleet from diesel to a cleaner energy source. We want to use cleaner renewable energy sources to serve our communities while continuing to strive for a more circular economy in all aspects of our operations and help to ensure our municipal members meet their environmental commitments. Having a clean, renewable and local source of energy for our fleet embodies everything the BRA believes in,” Francis Veilleux, president of Bluewater Recycling Association, said.

With the Enbridge Gas turnkey, all-inclusive program, and collaboration with governments and partners, Enbridge Gas is advancing innovative energy solutions and helping fleets switch to green RNG today—a cost-effective, low-carbon alternative to diesel fuel.

In addition to RNG for transport, Enbridge Gas offers a new Voluntary RNG program which gives customers the opportunity to support the transition to clean energy through a small monthly contribution ($2) to help offset the increased costs of acquiring carbon-neutral renewable natural gas.

“The accelerating growth of RNG production in Ontario enables waste industry organizations like BRA to demonstrate leadership in displacing diesel. Early investments in compressed natural gas (CNG) are paying environmental dividends via RNG as a straightforward path for decarbonizing transportation today. We’re pleased to support their efforts as we work together to transition Ontario to a clean energy future,” Michele Harradence, president of Enbridge Gas, said.