Blaby District Council’s fleet have had up to 90% of their emissions wiped, with the move to alternative fuel underway.

As part of the Council’s commitment to be a carbon neutral authority by 2030, Cabinet Executive voted in May to approve plans to change the majority of the vehicle fleet to hydro treated vegetable oil (HVO).

Blaby District Council empties more than 2,500,000 bins each year, as well as trade waste bins, litter bins, grounds maintenance and district cleansing across the local area. The authority recognises that whilst each vehicle plays an important part of this work, efforts needed to be made to ensure these are sustainable and as environmentally friendly as possible.

HVO is a popular alternative to diesel with other local authorities and organisations who are looking to considerably reduce their carbon emissions.

The first two lorries have now been converted to HVO, with the majority of the fleet’s change from diesel to HVO coming over the next few months. Once completed, the conversion will see a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 505 tonnes to just 51 tonnes per year.