Bin lorries will run on vegetable oil instead of diesel in an emissions-cutting trial across Kensington and Chelsea.
Kensington and Chelsea Council announced 44 of the borough’s bin lorries will be taking part, using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), an eco-friendly diesel alternative made from cooking oils and animal fats which is then treated with hydrogen to make fuel.
The initiative is expected to slash the carbon emissions from the Council’s fleet by up to 90%, saving 300 tonnes of carbon from being released into the atmosphere annually.
Kensington and Chelsea Council lead member for net zero Cllr Johnny Thalassites 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”
The council confirmed that the move will not increase spending for the borough as this sustainable alternative is roughly the same price as the diesel currently used.
A large portion of the HVO set to be used will be sourced from reclaimed oils, including those used in the catering industry.
Thalassites said: “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.”
HVO is classified as a biofuel as it is made from renewable sources rather than fossil fuels and is fully interchangeable with standard diesel, allowing for a seamless transition without changes to vehicles.
The switch is part of the council’s four-year plan to create a greener, safer and fairer borough.
Under this plan, the council set aside £14million to speed up net zero commitments for their vehicles and buildings, with a further £8million allocated to achieve greater energy efficiency in the borough’s schools.
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