How a garbage truck works: the process of collecting and disposing of waste

Anyone who runs their own household or business knows full well how big a problem garbage is. The current lifestyle, but also the way in which food and other products are packaged, causes that according to some statistics, we produce as much as 350 kilograms of waste per person in Poland. Managing garbage at the scale of one's environment requires a lot of attention. We often think about it as early as the shopping stage, such as packing fruits and vegetables in reusable bags. Then, at home, we need to have several containers for different wastes so that we can segregate them. The next step in the waste management system is the collection of waste by garbage trucks.

These vehicles play a not inconsiderable role in the process of collecting and disposing of garbage. They make it possible to manage waste efficiently and effectively, which is important for environmental protection, but also for the comfort of the residents of a city or region. This is an essential device in keeping our cities and towns clean. Thanks to garbage trucks, it is possible to efficiently collect and transport different types of waste, which contributes to keeping public spaces clean.

Increasingly, they are compact, equipped with modern solutions that allow waste to be compressed to a small size, or that facilitate loading in narrow streets. Another example of innovation is the use of technologies that make it possible to monitor and optimize the waste collection process. This makes it possible to better plan the route of the garbage truck, monitor the fill level of the containers or plan waste collection schedules remotely.

We also don't always directly associate garbage trucks with ecology, although their connection is as obvious as that of garbage with ecology. Efficient collection and disposal of waste are important for environmental protection. Correct waste management contributes to reducing negative environmental impacts, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving natural resources. Therefore, there is an increasing emphasis on waste segregation, recycling and the search for greener disposal methods. How does a garbage truck work, what are the main types of garbage trucks, and how does the waste collection and disposal process work?

Waste collection vehicles - types

There are different types of garbage trucks on the market, each with its own unique features and functions. One of the basic divisions is the type of loading. The most common vehicles are those with side and rear loading. Each type has its own advantages and is adapted to different conditions and needs of the locality. Individual models are designed to facilitate maneuvering in tight urban spaces. What's more, it's standard among modern vehicles that the garbage truck driver not only has good visibility in front, but is also able to better control what's happening on the sides and in the rear.

Another important division is between single-chamber and multi-chamber garbage trucks. Single-chamber garbage trucks have only one chamber in which waste is collected. Multichamber garbage trucks, on the other hand, allow the collection of several types of waste at the same time, making the segregation process more efficient. These solutions mean that no matter what kind of waste needs to be hauled away, a given garbage truck will be able to do it.

Single compartment vs. multi-compartment garbage trucks

Single-compartment garbage trucks are the most common and popular on the market. They have a relatively simple design. They are equipped with hydraulic devices for efficient collection and transportation of waste. They are also solutions that facilitate safe loading. The compartment of the garbage truck is always made of durable materials that ensure tight storage and transportation of garbage.

Multi-compartment garbage trucks, on the other hand, are equipped with more than one compartment, making it possible to collect and store different types of waste at the same time. This solution is particularly useful in cities where there are many different waste fractions. With multi-chamber garbage trucks, the process of waste segregation is more efficient and allows easier transfer of waste to the appropriate processing and disposal facilities. This is the solution most often opted for by municipal services looking for efficient ways to collect waste with the commitment of fewer resources. Trash compression systems additionally save space, allowing more waste to be collected from individual properties during a single trip.

Loading methods and process

A little more attention should be paid to the loading methods of the various garbage collection vehicles. We mentioned that they can be equipped with various loading methods, such as side loading, rear loading or even front loading. Each of these methods has its own advantages and is adapted to various terrain conditions, as well as the needs of the locality.

Side loading involves lifting and emptying trash containers placed on the side of the garbage truck. This is a popular method, especially in narrow streets and areas with limited maneuvering space. Rear loading involves lifting and emptying bins placed at the rear of the garbage truck. This is a more traditional method that is still widely used in many localities. Front loading, as the name suggests, is done from the front of the garbage truck and is mainly used on larger vehicles, such as containerized garbage trucks. Some garbage truck models are equipped with a dual system and allow side loading as well as rear loading.

The waste collection process begins with residents or companies placing garbage containers at designated locations. The garbage truck then arrives at the site and begins the waste collection process. Using appropriate mechanisms, the garbage truck lifts the garbage containers and empties them into the garbage compartment.

In the case of single-chamber garbage trucks, waste is collected in a single compartment and then transported to a waste disposal site. On the other hand, in the case of multi-chamber garbage trucks, different types of waste are collected in their respective chambers and transported to the appropriate collection and disposal sites.

Transport and disposal of waste

After collecting the waste, the garbage truck moves to the waste storage area or disposal facilities. During this time, the garbage truck must be properly secured to prevent uncontrolled leaks and the spread of unpleasant odors. Of course, it is also unacceptable for garbage to be lost on the way to the landfill.

Disposal is the next step in the waste management process. Garbage collected by garbage trucks is processed at sorting plants, recycling plants, incinerators or collected at designated landfills. The disposal process depends on the type of waste. In the case of segregated waste, such as paper, glass or plastic, it is transported to the appropriate recycling centers, where it is processed for reuse. Non-segregated waste, on the other hand, goes to sorting plants, where it is segregated and processed accordingly.

Safety and ergonomics at work

The work of garbage truck operators is physically demanding and exposed to various risk factors. Therefore, it is important that these vehicles are designed with operator safety and ergonomics in mind. The use of appropriate safety systems, such as reversing cameras and emergency braking systems, greatly improves working conditions. Hydraulic mechanisms mean that much of the effort of emptying containers is taken over by the machine.

Cities and municipal services are currently facing many challenges. These include ever-increasing volumes of waste, the need to increase the efficiency of the collection and disposal process, and growing public expectations for environmental protection. The future of the industry is linked to the further development of technologies and innovations that will enable more efficient, environmentally friendly and automated waste collection and disposal processes.