The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) announced the successful completion of a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Transition Plan for Recology, a resource recovery company that provides collection and disposal services to more than 2.5 million individuals and 100,000 businesses across California, Oregon, and Washington.
The project was made possible by a Strategic Industry Grant from the C.H. Robinson Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations committed to helping the supply chain and logistics industry thrive. The grant supported CTE in delivering a complimentary ZEV Transition Plan for a selected Class 4鈥�8 fleet operator, with Recology鈥檚 San Francisco fleet chosen through a competitive expression of interest process.
CTE鈥檚 ZEV Fleet Transition Plans are tailored to the specific needs of each fleet, analyzing vehicle operations, infrastructure requirements, total cost of ownership, and emissions reductions. For Recology鈥檚 San Francisco operations, CTE reviewed a fleet inventory of nearly 600 vehicles, including refuse trucks, pickups, roll-off trucks, and tractors, ultimately developing a detailed assessment of the opportunities and challenges in scaling zero-emission operations.
鈥淐TE is honored to work with Recology on this important step toward decarbonizing the solid waste sector,鈥� said Steve Clermont, Managing Director of Planning and Deployment at CTE. 鈥淲ith the support of the C.H. Robinson Foundation, we鈥檝e developed a replicable framework that not only helps Recology evaluate its path forward, but can also guide future transitions across the freight and logistics industries.鈥�
As the first waste management company to receive a CTE ZEV Transition Plan, Recology sees this project as a pivotal step in advancing its long-standing commitment to innovation and sustainability. “This project gives Recology a clearer view of what a zero-emission future could require,鈥� said Salvatore Coniglio, Chief Executive Officer of Recology. 鈥淔rom vehicle availability to infrastructure costs, the solid waste industry has some hurdles to overcome. Having this data helps us to make informed decisions as we continue innovating toward sustainable solutions for our fleet.鈥�
Recology has already demonstrated leadership in advancing zero-emission technologies. In 2024, the company was the first to pilot the nation鈥檚 first hydrogen-powered refuse collection vehicle, developed in partnership with New Way Trucks and Hyzon. The ZEV Transition Plan builds on this momentum, giving Recology a data-driven strategy that identifies the opportunities and challenges associated with a long-term fleet transition. By combining operational analysis with cost estimates and infrastructure planning, the plan equips Recology with a tool that will support Recology鈥檚 fleet planning to reduce emissions while continuing to provide essential services to millions of customers.
鈥淎t C.H. Robinson, we believe that advancing sustainability in logistics is not just good business鈥攊t鈥檚 essential for the future of our industry, communities and our planet,鈥� said Rachel Schwalbach, Vice President, Environment, Social & Governance and President of the C.H. Robinson Foundation. 鈥淧rogress happens when we work together, and we鈥檙e proud to be a part of this journey and to help drive positive change in the communities where we live and work.鈥�
Recology鈥檚 participation in this initiative demonstrates how waste and recycling companies can play a vital role in advancing zero-emission technologies. By embedding sustainability into fleet strategy, the initiative demonstrates how environmental and economic benefits can ripple throughout the transportation and logistics sector.