New CNG Waste Collection Truck Added to Midwest City Fleet

A new waste collection truck powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) was recently added to the City of Midwest City Public Works Fleet. Two grants, one from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) and one from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), helped fund the purchase.

The ACOG grant, totaling $59,531, was awarded in February 2021 from the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program funds. These funds covered the incremental cost of outfitting the new truck with a CNG fueling system. The ODEQ On-Road Program grant totaled $200,000 and was funded by the Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Environmental Mitigation Trust. Awarded in December 2021, it covered the purchase of the truck’s body and chassis.

The goal of both grant programs is to reduce emissions that contribute to air pollution. According to ACOG, reducing pollution from vehicles can lead to positive public health outcomes for central Oklahoma. ODEQ funding specifically targets the replacement of diesel-powered vehicles to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx).

“The City of Midwest City appreciates the support of ACOG and ODEQ in our ongoing efforts to improve the air quality in our community and in central Oklahoma,” said Paul Streets, Public Works Director. “It’s exciting to update our fleet, while also helping to make positive changes for our environment.”

A competitive grant process was used to award the funding. Projects that achieved air pollution emission reductions by replacing older high-mileage vehicles with new alternative fuel vehicles and alternative fueling infrastructure, scored highly. Total cost of the new waste collection truck, with the CNG system and tanks, was $379,863. 

In addition to reducing air pollution, the new truck is also more efficient and quieter than its predecessor. It is currently supporting Sanitation operations throughout Midwest City.

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