Starting this September, the streets of Queens will put a few hybrid heavy-duty garbage trucks to the test. The three trucks, which will be joined by four more, are slightly longer than regular garbage trucks and will reduce emissions by 30%.This is great news, because hauling several tons of garbage per day requires a great deal of energy. Of course, like many early model hybrids (see my post on green roofs), there are big price tags. Each hybrid truck will cost $500,000, as opposed to $250,000 for a regular garbage truck. Federal subsidies encouraging the use of hybrid vehicles will help alleviate the cost for the city. Other cities are watching, and should this hybrid truck program become popular, the cost will go down. My fingers are crossed!