The waste collection and recycling business is especially susceptible to high fuel prices. As fuel prices escalate, companies must take action to conserve fuel.
By Will Flower

Since the beginning of 2022, the waste collection and recycling industry has been rocked by enormous volatility in fuel prices. The main driver of the volatility of fuel prices has been President Biden’s move to cut off crude oil imports from Russia in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. While some relief has come from the commitment of the U.S. Department of Energy to release 30 million barrels of crude oil from the nation’s strategic oil reserves, fuel costs are much higher than the beginning of the year.

Collection, transfer, and landfill operations have all experienced dramatic increases in expenses due to higher fuel costs to run trucks, pay loaders, compactors, and other equipment. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, long haul trucks including transfer trailers get about 6.5 miles per gallon. The U.S. EPA estimates that the average waste collection truck has a fuel efficiency of about 4.4 miles per gallon depending on conditions including load, traffic, terrain, and route density.

 

Left: As fuel prices have increased, drivers, mechanics, and dispatchers are working together to conserve fuel.
Right: Diesel fuel prices have increased dramatically in the first quarter of 2022.  As a result, waste haulers are coaching and educating drivers and mechanics on fuel conservation measures.  
Photos courtesy of Will Flower.

 

Steps to Save Fuel
As fuel prices increased, managers scrambled to adjust consumer prices and implement fuel surcharges to cover the rapidly rising fuel costs. In addition to raising prices, many managers are working with drivers and mechanics to save fuel. The following are some steps that can be implemented to save fuel:

• Ensure tires are inflated to proper pressure: As part of the pre-trip inspection process, drivers should check their tires for proper inflation.
• Minimize idling time: Drivers should be reminded to switch-off the engine when not in use.
• Reduce speed: Drivers should operate within speed limits to save fuel.
• Reduce hard braking: Drivers should look ahead to traffic signals and anticipate when to slow down, coast, and break.
• Stay in higher gear: A transmission operating in a lower gear and a higher RPM will burn more fuel.
• Keep vehicles properly maintained: Regular maintenance of your fleet will save fuel. In addition to tire pressure, make sure trucks are in alignment. Use the proper grade of engine oil to improve mileage by 1 to 2 percent. Air filter changes can also improve fuel efficiency.
• Turn off A/C and heat: If weather permits, switch off the air conditioner to save fuel.
• Use technology to help navigate: Sitting in traffic is a big waste of fuel. Drivers and dispatchers have a number of options for navigational aids to avoid traffic congestion keeping drivers on the most efficient route.

Waste companies that use third-party truckers for long-haul waste transportation should ask their transportation partners to share action plans for minimizing fuel consumption and saving costs. Examples of fuel saving initiatives on long-haul trucks include the use of aerodynamic devises to reduce wind resistance and the use of governors and cruise control.

An Orchestrated Effort
It is worth noting that engineers, designers, and truck manufacturers have done outstanding work to improve fuel efficiency. Today’s truck engines are much cleaner and more fuel efficient. However, to realize the full potential of fuel savings, there needs to be an orchestrated effort among mechanics, dispatchers, and drivers. | WA

Will Flower is the Senior Vice President of Corporate and Public Affairs at Winters Bros. Waste Systems (Long Island, NY).

Share your safety tip. Submit your suggestions to Will Flower at [email protected].

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