Biodiesel in garbage trucks creating cleaner air in Chicago

Chicago is creating better air quality through biodiesel.

By running 100 percent biodiesel in park garbage trucks, the team has improved air quality and reduced carbon emissions equivalent to planting 419 tress in Chicago parks annually.

Pete Probst is a contractor for the Chicago Park District’s B100 Program and the Illinois Soybean Association. He states that diesel is made from recycled cooking oil which comes from soybeans. “This project really highlights the contributions being made by Midwest farmers to combat climate change, provide local renewable energy jobs, and promote clean air in congested cities,” Probst states.

In 2019, participating trucks logged 12,000 miles and nearly 2,700 hours of operation, generating significant data on engine performance as well as carbon emission.