DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County, Ga. has ordered 24 Freightliner Business Class M2 112 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, according to a news release from Freightliner. The County plans to use the CNG vehicles for sanitation and maintenance purposes. DeKalb County will take delivery of its new M2 112 CNG trucks in late 2011.

The County will also be using its own methane gas-to-energy process to fuel the vehicles. The County’s program, launched in 2011, converts landfill waste to natural gas. Freightliner said DeKalb County’s program produces enough natural gas to run up to 600 trucks.

The County is also building two fueling stations to service both passenger cars and trucks.

“We take environmental responsibility very seriously, and we are very proud of all our green initiatives,” said Robert Gordon, fleet service superintendent, DeKalb County fleet management division. “That’s why, when we decided to take the next step and green our fleet, we turned to Freightliner Trucks.”

The Freightliner M2 112 CNG is powered by the Cummins Westport ISL G 8.9L natural gas engine. It features a three-way catalyst, and doesn’t require a particulate filter or regeneration, according to Freightliner. The 2,500 square-inch windshield provides additional visibility, and the truck’s 55-degree wheel cut and set-back front axle helps improve maneuverability, according to the manufacturer.