Waste reduction and recycling programs implemented in conjunction with the City of Meridian include residential curbside recycling, waste oil collection at the curbside, routine monthly household hazardous waste collection, fall leaf collection, Christmas tree recycling, and phone book recycling.

Sanitary Services Co. was the first entity in the state of Idaho to use biodiesel in service vehicles. B20 fuel (20% vegetable oil, 80% diesel fuel) is used in its fleet of trash and recycling trucks that service the residential areas of Meridian, Idaho, in an effort to reduce diesel emission exposure to families and children. B20 fuel is a cleaner-burning alternative to regular diesel fuel. Emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulates are reduced by burning B20. The vegetable oil portion of the fuel is typically made from refined soybean oil, thus supporting American farmers and reducing dependence upon foreign oil imports. Additionally, it is a renewable resource, unlike fossil fuels. Since April of 2002, Sanitary Services Co. has burned more than 81,675 gallons of the fuel.

 Energy Conservation

Routine maintenance of the collection fleet generates many gallons of used oil throughout the year. All of this oil is saved and burned to heat Sanitary Services Co.'s maintenance facilities.

For more information, contact Sanitary Services Co. at (208) 888-3999.

Information on this Web page represents examples of projects undertaken by the organizations only and does not constitute Departmental certification or approval of compliance at this or any other time with federal, state and/or local regulations, but is solely presented as an example of projects undertaken by organizations in order to prevent pollution and/or conserve resources.