Garbage pick-up might just clean up Carrboro's air and roadways.
The town has received the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Grant to fund the purchase of a new hybrid trash truck — a truck that will help set an example of sustainability and efficiency.
“Local government has the responsibility to be aggressive about emissions," Bethany Chaney, Board of Aldermen member said. "We have the opportunity and the obligation whenever we can use funds that are not from tax-payer's money, like this grant."
Garbage trucks produce a large volume of carbon emissions by idling while out picking up garbage. By purchasing this new form of hybrid technology, Carrboro further demonstrates its desire to not only cut emissions but also to make its residents healthier by removing potentially harmful materials from the air.
“We have an ongoing commitment to reduce our municipal carbon footprint, and the purchase of this truck is in line with our efficiency and environmental goals," Chaney said.
The truck will be installed with a new hydraulic system and will reduce fuel use and carbon emissions. Vehicles with this system produce half the amount of carbon dioxide emissions than traditional garbage trucks.
Town officials said they intend to cut emissions and reduce its impact on the environment in anyway they can.
“We applied for (the grant) because we’re very interested in reducing our carbon footprint and using this new technology to do so,” said James Freeman, the public works director for Carrboro.
Despite the initial costs to buy the truck and install the new hybrid hardware, the truck will be able to save Carrboro money in the long run by using significantly less fuel.
