EMBRACING ECO-TRUCKING means more than simply cutting exhaust emissions and extends to the way workshops and waste are managed says Mark Erasmus, Area Manager Aftersales at Volvo Southern Africa. 

"The main pollutants in a workshop environment are oils and used filters. Volvo works closely with local waste management company, Waste Tech, in the controlled and environmentally friendly disposal of these two products. The oil is drained out of the filters and collected in purpose built dispensers which are later removed, crushed and disposed of by Waste Tech." 

The water from wash bays which is contaminated by oil pollutants is also collected separately and taken away for recycling, says Erasmus. "This, as a matter of fact, is required by law by local Municipalities." 

The Volvo Production Plant near Durban is built according to Volvo’s global environmental standards and Volvo Southern Africa is currently working on ISO 14000 accreditation for its parts distribution centre in Jet Park. 

"Volvo trucks are purpose built for simple disassembly and recycling at the end of their useful life. Approximately 90% of the materials can be used or re-cycled. Many components are reconditioned by Volvo and are resold as exchange parts. Approximately 30% of the contents of a new truck are manufactured from recycled materials," concludes Erasmus.
 

Green building - The clean floor says it all at Volvo’s KZN assembly plant where recycling is part of the work flow process.