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Review of Trash Collection Impacts I Section 2 - 10 Operate -at -idle Technology Operate -at -idle technology can also reduce emissions. Operate - at -idle systems allow an engine to run at much lower revolutions per minute (RPM) and thus conserve diesel when compared with collection vehicles that do not have the technology. Operate -in- gear -at -idle systems save fuel by using a larger hydraulic pump that produces the extra flow of fluid needed for a trash collection vehicle to load and compact garbage at standard speeds while the engine remains at idle. Without the systems, truck operators must shift the transmission and throttle the engine to power the hydraulic system every time they make a route stop or want to pack the load. There is minimal effect on truck performance and fuel savings of as much as 20% have been attributed to operate - at -idle systems.13 Operate -at -idle technology is generally standard on all new side loading equipment. Retrofitting existing vehicles can be done at a cost of from $1,500 to $10,000. Truck manufacturers are just starting to test operate -at -idle technology on rear- and front - loading vehicles. An added advantage of operate -at -idle technology is that it significantly reduces engine noise. Most of the loud engine noise associated with garbage trucks comes from revving the engine to pack the load. With an operate -at -idle trash truck the hydraulic system is capable of packing without revving the engine and generating the associated engine noise. Automatic Engine Shut -Off Systems Idling engines can burn up to one (1) gallon of fuel per hour. On- board engine controls can be installed that automatically cut off the engine after a set time period if a driver leaves it idling. Waste Connections, a national solid waste management firm, has installed automatic engine shut off devices on some of their vehicles that shut the engine down after five minutes of idling. This five minute standard is consistent with the proposed time frame in EPA's Model State Idling Law. Other Options On the horizon, several other fuel and technologies are being tested in prototype vehicles including: • Hybrid - electric drive trains • Bio- methane (biofuels) While these technologies may offer future benefits they have yet to be proven in a large scale commercial environment. Volvo, however, recently introduced the first hybrid garbage truck in Sweden. If testing goes well, Volvo plans to begin producing the 13 Ideal Idle Idea; K. Simpson, Waste Age, Sep 1, 2006 12:00 PM