NASHUA, NH - Thanks to an innovative partnership between the City of Nashua and UPS, the process of replacing seven-year-old Department of Public Works garbage trucks could become one of the city's most significant green initiatives. The City is looking into getting CNG-powered trucks and plans to partner with UPS to build a permanent CNG fueling station.

Mayor Donnalee Lozeau has been promoting the idea of replacing the city's diesel-fueled trucks with vehicles that run on compressed natural gas, reported The Nashua Telegraph.

Natural gas truck engines last 25 percent longer, they run cleaner, and their maintenance requirements are significantly more economical. Although they cost $25,000 to $40,000 more than the $175,000 cost of a diesel-fueled trash truck, even without subsidies to make up the difference, the investment makes sense, according to the newspaper. The additional cost would be recouped in fuel, repair, and replacement costs.

Some vehicle funding may come from a state Department of Environmental Services program in place designed to encourage communities to buy vehicles that run on cleaner fuel.

Through its partnership with UPS, the City could get a permanent CNG fueling station for city vehicles and UPS trucks. More businesses with large fleets may get involved, according to The Nashua Telegraph.