Casella Waste Systems as part of its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resource sustainability, has deployed its first hybrid diesel electric collection vehicle. The International DuraStar Hybrid diesel electric hybrid truck, is expected to lower fuel consumption by 30 to 40 percent and slash greenhouse gas emissions by 30 to 40 percent. Casella expects to lower greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 8 to 11 metric tons of CO2 equivalents annually with this single hybrid vehicle through reduced vehicle emissions. The vehicle was put into service on an organics recycling route in the greater Burlington, Vermont market in May.

"We have challenged our people to find solutions to operate our business more efficiently while also reducing our environmental impact," John W. Casella, chairman and chief executive officer of Casella Waste Systems, said. "Servicing our customers with this hybrid recycling truck is an important step forward in our commitment to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions as part of the EPA Climate Leaders program, reduces our overall consumption of fossil fuels, and insulates our business from the volatility of fuel costs." Casella is partnering with Navistar, a forward-thinking company that understands the urgent need to substantially decrease natural resource usage and emissions. Together, they plan to place more hybrid vehicles in other locations, and to find other applications for the vehicle. Earlier this year, Casella installed an on-board oil refining system on over 800 of its vehicles, cutting down the number of oil changes necessary in a year, which will lower oil consumption, maintenance costs, and disposal of oil, as well as ease greenhouse gas emissions. Combined with the commitment to deploy hybrid truck solutions, the company expects to make further strides toward adopting innovative technologies to reduce its carbon footprint on the Earth.