Related: USDA to Invest in Biofuels for Fleet
Biodiesel Refuse Haulers Improving Chicago Park Air Quality
The pilot B100 program cuts carbon emissions from refuse vehicles by 84%.
June 23, 2020
The pilot B100 program cuts carbon emissions from refuse vehicles by 84%.
Photo: Illinois Soybean Association
1 min to read
The Chicago Park District (CPD) is working to improve air quality by fueling park refuse haulers with 100% biodiesel (B100).
As part of a pilot program in partnership with the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff program and the American Lung Association (ALA), it is aimed at reducing vehicle carbon emissions and creating more sustainable operations. The Park District’s B100 program reduces greenhouse gas emissions and particulates by 84% compared to standard, low sulfur diesel fuel. As the B100 pilot program enters its second year, CPD states the improved air quality and emission reductions are equivalent to planting 419 trees in Chicago parks annually.
The B100 pilot project began in early 2019, when CPD fitted two refuse haulers with fuel systems from Optimus Technologies that allow the vehicles to start on diesel fuel and then automatically switch to 100% biodiesel after warming up. Refuse haulers typically travel at low speeds and require frequent stops, creating potential for increased soot and emissions.
More Fuel
Sponsored•June 1, 2026
Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?
Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.
Read More →
Planning for Future Technologies: Hydrogen and Beyond
As public agencies work to cut emissions from off-road operations, fleets are turning to a mix of renewable fuels, hybrid systems, battery-electric equipment and emerging hydrogen technology.
Read More →
RoadFlex Expands Fuel Network with Refuel Partnership
RoadFlex expands its fueling network for public sector fleets through a new partnership with Refuel, adding more than 250 locations across the Southeastern U.S. to improve access, savings, and efficiency.
Read More →
Rislone DEF Treatment Designed to Keep Diesel Exhaust Fluid Crystal-Free
Rislone is rolling out a super-concentrated version of its Diesel DEF Treatment that is designed to stabilize and improve diesel exhaust fluid.
Read More →
Are Bi-Fuel Propane Autogas Vehicles Making Law Enforcement Fleets More Resilient, Cost-Effective?
How a Florida sheriff office’s choice in fuel system led to a healthier budget, increased resiliency, and decreased emissions.
Read More →
Fleets All-In On Fuel Management Tech
Fuel management can become a tricky obstacle, but smart strategies and new tech have turned it into a well-oiled machine where price prediction is art, and cost control is science.
Read More →
Prepare Diesel Trucks for Winter with Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Understand proper DEF purchasing, handling, and storage practices in order to meet regulatory requirements and operates at peak performance.
Read More →
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Locator
Yara, a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) producer, offers a DEF locator website to help get the fluids fleets need.
Read More →
Gas vs. Diesel: The Bad Investment Only Fleet Managers Know About
A major point of debate in fleet management is using diesel vs. gas cars and trucks. Choosing to purchase gasoline engines instead of diesel ones for medium-duty trucks may be an unpopular decision, but is it the right one?
Read More →
Fuelman Partners with RaceTrac and RaceWay
Fuelman fleet card users can now fill up at all RaceTrac and RaceWay locations.
Read More →