Republic expands CNG fleet in South Florida

Republic Services, Phoenix, has announced the addition of 62 compressed natural gas (CNG) solid waste collection trucks serving customers in the Florida counties of Broward and Dade. The new CNG trucks replace older diesel-powered collection trucks, and bring the total number of natural gas vehicles operated by Republic in South Florida to 127.

"We believe that we have a responsibility to reduce carbon emissions whenever and wherever possible," says Jamey Amick, area president of Republic Services. "As the operator of a large vocational fleet in South Florida, we recognize that we can have a positive, meaningful impact on the local environment. We are truly proud to serve this community and believe that our CNG fleet expansion this Earth Day will have lasting benefits for South Florida."

Republic cites U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) statistics that each new CNG collection truck deployed is equivalent to planting over 600 mature trees annually. Based on EPA calculations, the company says carbon emissions reduction benefits from its CNG-powered fleet in South Florida is equivalent to planting 76,200 mature trees per year.

In South Florida, Republic has more than 220 employees who serve approximately 117,000 residential customers and more than 10,500 commercial customers. Republic operates one recycling center and one hauling division in the Fort Lauderdale area, as well as a CNG fueling station to support its expanding Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based fleet.

Nationwide, Republic Services operates a fleet of approximately 2,500 CNG vehicles and 38 natural gas fueling stations. Republic's CNG-powered fleet helps to save roughly 18 million gallons of diesel fuel annually. Approximately one-third of all replacement vehicles purchased by Republic last year were CNG-powered vehicles.

In 2015, Republic Services was among the top companies recognized by Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to measuring and disclosing environmental information, in the 2015 CDP S&P 500 Climate Change Report. Republic earned a score of 98 out of 100, which reflects its strong commitment to transparency, quality and completeness, and an A- in Performance. Achieving an A is the highest Performance score possible.

Known as the Blue Planet sustainability initiative, Republic is defining its approach to environmental responsibility through reduced emissions from operations, materials management, safety, community engagement, and employee growth opportunities. To view Republic's Sustainability Report, go to RepublicServices.com/sustainabilityreport.