Commitment to Clean Air

Our Commitment to clean air in the Coachella Valley

 In 1995, the Burrtec office began using CNG trucks for the collection of recyclable materials, commercial, and residential refuse.

With the support of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services placed fourteen heavy-duty CNG trucks into service-the largest fleet of large, heavy-duty CNG trucks in California. The CNG engines reduced air emissions by an estimated 60% to 80% compared to conventional diesel refuse trucks.

Based on the success of this project, Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services is in the process of converting our entire fleet to CNG. Emission reductions from these CNG trucks will be equivalent to removing 45,000 new passenger cars from California.

Advantages of natural gas vehicles

Clean:   Natural gas vehicles produce far fewer pollutants than conventional vehicles. Natural gas vehicles can reduce nitrogen oxide (Nox) emissions and reactive hydrocarbons-which form ground-level ozone, the principal ingredient of smog-by as much as 98%. Natural gas vehicles also reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by as much as 30%, carbon monoxide (CO) by 86% and carcinogenic particulate emissions by 99%.

Safe:  Natural Gas is safe because it has a high ignition temperature, is lighter than air, and dissipates rapidly when released. It is also non-toxic. According to a survey conducted by the American Gas Association, 8,000 natural gas vehicles in the U.S. have traveled 320 million miles between 1987 and 1999 with no reported fatalities. The storage cylinders are significantly stronger than gasoline tanks, and have withstood bullet and bonfire testing while exceeding U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards.

Abundant:  Natural gas is available from abundant domestic and North American supplies. At projected levels of consumption, such supplies are sufficient to meet demand for at least 60 years. There is a well-established underground transmission and distribution system in California, facilitating market availability and eliminating the need for over-the-road distribution required by other fuels.

Performance: Since natural gas burns cleaner than other fuels, it provides longer engine life and lower maintenance costs. Natural gas vehicles can travel more miles before required maintenance, such as spark plugs and oil changes, is necessary.

** Statistical data obtained from the Southern California Gas Company.