HAMILTON, NJ --- The township of Hamilton, which contracts Central Jersey Waste and Recycling for its garbage collection, is getting a new fleet of natural gas-powered garbage trucks. 

At a press conference, Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo joined with representatives from Central Jersey Waste and Recycling and Clean Energy Fuels to make the announcement in front of one of the new vehicles that runs on natural gas. 

As part of the township's garbage collection contract, Bencivengo's administration specified that Central Jersey Waste and Recycling use clean fuel technology during the 2009 calendar year. Central Jersey Waste and Recycling, based in Trenton and Ewing, constructed a natural gas refueling facility at its Trenton property to service the township's needs.  In addition, the company purchased 10 new natural gas-fueled refuse trucks, which will operate six days a week in Hamilton Township. These 10 new natural-gas fueled trucks will replace 10 diesel-fueled trucks previously used in Hamilton for garbage collection.

"We are moving our township in the right direction when it comes to protecting our environment," said Bencivengo. "Today, we are taking a step that will not only improve the quality of life for Hamilton residents, but encourage other towns from all across the state to follow our example and create a cleaner New Jersey for us all."

Central Jersey Waste and Recycling will work with Clean Energy Fuels to operate and maintain the fueling station, the first of its kind in New Jersey. Central Jersey Waste plans on expanding its use of natural gas-fueled vehicles and expects to maintain the distinction of having the largest natural gas-fueled solid waste collection fleet in the state.

"Central Jersey Waste is proud to have committed to the most efficient and environmentally friendly solid waste and recyclable material collection operation in the state of New Jersey," said Frank Fiumefreddo Jr., company president. "To that end, Central Jersey Waste has committed millions of dollars in capital improvements for natural gas fueling infrastructure at its operations base, lowering soot and other airborne emissions, lowering noise levels and increasing the efficiency of its operations."  

The positive environmental benefits of clean-burning natural gas trucks include: Greater than an 85-percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (smog) emissions, greater than a 90-percent reduction in particulate matter (soot) emissions, and a 23-percent reduction in greenhouse gases as compared to diesel trucks. Replacing just one diesel garbage truck with a natural gas garbage truck has the same emission benefits as taking 325 cars off the road per year.

Natural gas trucks are also 90 percent quieter than diesel trucks. In addition, the clean-burning natural gas is domestic, which increases the nation's energy security and will directly reduce the amount of foreign-imported diesel fuel used by Central Jersey Waste and Recycling.

Overall, Central Jersey Waste and Recycling has estimated replacing over 150,000 gallons of foreign-produced diesel with domestically produced, clean-burning natural gas with its new trucks that will be serving Hamilton Township. As Central Jersey expands its operations and purchases more vehicles, the company anticipates replacing 300,000 gallons of foreign-produced diesel with domestically produced natural gas within the next two years.

"I want to commend Central Jersey Waste and Recycling on working with us to help make this significant environmental achievement possible," concluded Mayor Bencivengo. "Together, the result will benefit current and future Hamilton residents for years to come."