Wiesbaden’s Waste Trucks Go Green with HVO100 Biofuel Switch

A quiet revolution is cleaning up Wiesbaden’s streets. The city’s waste trucks now run on plant-based fuel—no modifications, just immediate environmental gains.

, and Administrator

2025 December 19 . 1:06 AM

1 min read

In this image there is a waste container on the ground. There are logos and text on the waste... — In this image there is a waste container on the ground. There are logos and text on the waste container. Behind it there is a fencing. Behind the fencing there are cars parked on the ground. In the background there are houses and trees. At the top there is the sky.

Wiesbaden’s Waste Trucks Go Green with HVO100 Biofuel Switch

Wiesbaden’s waste collection trucks have switched to a greener fuel. The city’s waste management company, ELW, now powers its fleet with HVO100, a synthetic diesel made from hydrogenated vegetable oils. This change follows months of testing and approval checks in early 2024.

ELW started looking into HVO100 as soon as it became available in Germany at the beginning of 2024. Before making the switch, the company verified which of its vehicles were manufacturer-approved for the new fuel. Torsten Zimmermann, head of fleet management at ELW, pushed for the transition after confirming its feasibility in spring 2024.

The shift to HVO100 means cleaner air for Wiesbaden. The city’s waste trucks now emit far less CO₂, particulates, and nitrogen oxides. With no need for vehicle modifications, the transition has been smooth and cost-effective.