A new, more environmentally friendly way to fuel waste collection and other council heavy goods vehicles across north Oxfordshire will take effect from autumn 2025, following council approval.
Published: Friday, 5th September 2025
On Tuesday, 2 September, a meeting of Cherwell District Council’s executive endorsed the change from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel.
This change to the renewable fuel source will enable the council to run 90 vehicles more cleanly and sustainably.
Councillor Ian Middleton, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The council is proud to lead by example, setting a benchmark for sustainability for partners, residents and businesses to follow. We believe that this change to HVO fuel is a pragmatic step forward in our mission to continue to create a cleaner and greener Cherwell for all. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s the best transitional option we have for our high duty cycle HGVs right now. I’m hopeful that in the near future other alternatives such as high capacity electric or hydrogen powered vehicles will enable us to remove harmful tailpipe emissions from our fleet completely.
“It is important that we make responsible choices today that protect and preserve our district for generations to come. By investing in a more sustainable fuel source for these vehicles, we will lower our fleet emissions by up to 85 percent.”
Over the course of two years, it is estimated that the council will reduce emissions by 1,150 tonnes by switching to HVO fuel, cutting its overall emissions by 25 to 30 percent.
HVO fuel is made from vegetable and other waste oils, with the council planning to use fuel primarily made from used cooking oils.