Bin lorries in London’s wealthiest borough are swapping diesel fuel for vegetable oil in a move that could cut carbon emissions by 90 per cent.
Forty-four bin lorries in Kensington and Chelsea will run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), as part of a climate-friendly trial across the borough.
Kensington and Chelsea Council (RBKC) has said the changes could save 300 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.
The price of fuel is roughly the same as diesel currently, and the council believes the swap will not increase costs.
RBKC said it hopes that over time the switch may make it cheaper to run the vehicles than if it kept using diesel.
HVO is made from cooking oils and animal fats that are treated with hydrogen to create fuel.
The way the oil is made means it works in the engines of the existing vehicles, so it can simply replace the diesel without any changes to the vehicles.
Councillor Johnny Thalassites, lead member for net zero at Kensington and Chelsea Council said: “Achieving net zero is increasingly difficult for councils who are rightly prioritising keeping essential services running for residents.
“By trialling hydrotreated vegetable oil in place of a polluting fuel like diesel, we are innovating without compromising service.
“Residents are still getting their bins collected twice a week, and it’s not costing more either – win win.
“A lot of HVO is reclaimed from catering. So next time you’re enjoying Friday night fish and chips, the oil used to fry your meal may well end up fuelling our waste collection vehicles.”
