Buses running on fuel mix including waste fats and oils is set to be trialled on a local route.

The technology is set to be introduced to route 69, which runs between Canning Town and Walthamstow bus stations and through Leyton.

Two bus operators, Stagecoach and Metroline, have signed deals with Argent Energy to supply them with B20 green diesel.

The cleaner burning fuel is made from blending diesel with renewable biodiesel from waste products, including cooking oil and tallow from the meat processing trade.

It is a mix of 80 per cent standard diesel with 20 per cent biodiesel.

Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning fuel.

TfL requires that biodiesel blended into B20 for London buses is made from waste.

Almost a third of London's bus fleet will soon be running on the greener blend of diesel.

By March next year, almost 3,000 of the capital's 8,900 buses will be powered by the B20 fuel blend.

It is estimated that buses running on waste-based B20 produce 10 per cent less carbon emissions than a bus using ordinary diesel.

Transport for London (TfL) said it is resulting in a huge reduction in CO2 emissions of 21,000 tonnes each year.

Mike Weston, TfL's Director of Buses, said: “Our bus fleet is now making a major contribution to improving air quality and bringing down CO2 emissions.

“This improvement, which will reduce CO2 emissions by 21,000 tonnes each year, is being introduced now with no extra spend needed and no long delay for the fitting of new kit.

“It's just one of a number of measures we are taking to make London's environment better for everyone.”