Rugby Borough Council has agreed to operate all diesel-powered vehicles at its Works Services Unit with a five per cent bio-mix.

Although there is still debate over how eco-friendly the process of making Biofuel is, it is widely accepted that the fuel does help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The mix is made up of biomass and is now becoming popular across the world.

Councillor Heather Timms, Rugby Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Environment, said: “We are pleased to be in a position to move toward a more sustainable way of service delivery.

“Bio-diesel blend fuels are an important step towards breaking our reliance on fossil fuels for road transport, whilst simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emission levels.”

In total 70 vehicles, such as those used on the refuse and recycling, street cleansing, grounds maintenance and highways services will switch to this ‘cleaner and greener’ fuel.

Cllr. Timms added: “Issues such as emission levels, reliability, maintenance costs and vehicle manufacturer warranties have been well researched and the council are comfortable with the results.

“There are both economic and environmental reasons for the switch to Bio-diesel, the economic ones have been achieved through the ongoing collaborative working on procurement between Rugby and Nuneaton and Bedworth Councils.”

In a bid to meet its recycling targets, Rugby Borough Council has also recently expanded its red box waste collection to flats and rural areas in the borough.