Garbage trucks help keep our streets clean, but there’s more to them than you might think. Here are 20 interesting facts about these big trash-collecting machines!
1. The First Garbage Trucks Were Pulled by Horses
Before trucks, people used horse-drawn carts to collect trash. Motorized garbage trucks didn’t appear until the early 1900s.
2. Modern Trucks Squash Trash to Fit More
Today’s garbage trucks have powerful compactors that crush trash, so they can carry more at once.
3. Some Trucks Pick Up Bins by Themselves
Certain garbage trucks use robotic arms to grab and empty trash bins. This means workers don’t have to lift heavy cans.
4. Different Trucks for Different Trash
There are special trucks for regular garbage, recycling, and food waste. Some trucks even have separate sections for sorting trash while collecting it.
5. A Full Garbage Truck Can Weigh Over 30,000 kg
That’s heavier than a school bus! These trucks carry tons of waste every day.
6. Some Trucks Run on Cleaner Fuels
Instead of diesel, many garbage trucks use natural gas, biodiesel, or electricity to reduce pollution.
7. They Travel Long Distances Every Year
A garbage truck can drive over 80,000 km in a year—more than twice around the world!
8. Rear-Loader Trucks Can Hold a Lot
Some trucks can carry up to 35 cubic meters of trash before they need to be emptied.
9. Garbage Trucks Don’t Last Forever
Most garbage trucks last about 10 to 15 years because they work hard and wear out quickly.
10. Some Trucks Have Cameras and GPS
Modern garbage trucks have GPS and cameras to track routes and help drivers do their jobs safely.
11. Garbage Trucks Are Expensive
A brand-new garbage truck can cost anywhere from $250,000 to $500,000, depending on its features.
12. Some Trucks Reduce Bad Smells
Certain garbage trucks have odor control systems to help keep bad smells from spreading.
13. Some Garbage Trucks Can Make Electricity
In some places, garbage trucks have special systems that turn trash into electricity.
14. Garbage Trucks Have Been Around for Over 100 Years
Motorized garbage trucks were first used in the 1910s and have improved a lot since then.
15. Some Trucks Use Robotic Arms
Instead of human workers lifting bins, robotic arms do the job in just a few seconds.
16. Garbage Trucks Beep for Safety
The loud beeping sound they make when reversing helps prevent accidents.
17. Garbage Collection Is a Risky Job
Collecting trash is dangerous work. Workers deal with heavy traffic, lifting injuries, and sharp or hazardous objects.
18. Some Trucks Run on Trash
A few cities use garbage trucks powered by biogas made from decomposing trash.
19. They Can Crush Trash with Incredible Force
A garbage truck compactor can squeeze trash with up to 2,000 kg of force per square meter.
20. Garbage Trucks Have Other Uses Too
Sometimes, these trucks are used for emergencies—like moving supplies, cleaning up after disasters, or carrying water.
Conclusion
Garbage trucks are more than just big, noisy machines. They help keep our cities clean and are getting smarter and more eco-friendly every year. Next time you see a garbage truck, you’ll know just how much work goes into keeping your neighborhood tidy!
