What are the main types of garbage trucks available on the market, and how do they differ from each other?
Efficient waste management is one of the most important challenges of modern cities. On the one hand, it affects the quality of life of residents, and on the other hand, it is not indifferent to the environment. Hence, it is very important to match the right municipal vehicle to the needs of the area. The basic types of garbage trucks available on the market, provide unique functions and capabilities. Therefore, when looking for this type of vehicle, it is important to consider its design, performance and application.
There are many different types of garbage trucks available on the market. From single compartment garbage trucks to multi-compartment garbage trucks, from small to large with different loading methods. Each model has its own unique features and functions. Choosing the right type of garbage truck, therefore, can be quite a challenge for any local government, as well as waste collection and disposal companies. It is important to choose the model that best meets expectations in terms of performance, functionality and compliance with sanitary regulations.
With the advancement of technology, garbage trucks are becoming more and more advanced machines, equipped with various innovative solutions. This makes waste management more efficient and environmentally friendly. The garbage collection process itself is now greatly improved, and modern waste collection vehicles are largely behind this. What types of municipal vehicles in general are available? What should one pay attention to when making a choice?
Basic types of garbage trucks
The variety and complexity of today's waste can infuriate the ordinary consumer who is required to separate waste. This diversity means that waste collection vehicles, too, must be tailored to it. The most common, of course, are municipal garbage trucks, used to collect municipal waste from homes, offices, stores, etc. Container garbage trucks, on the other hand, are larger vehicles that collect waste from large containers, usually located around industrial plants or shopping centers. Side garbage trucks have a side mechanism, allowing them to collect waste from containers placed at the curbs of sidewalks, which is convenient in urban areas.
Hook garbage trucks, on the other hand, are used to collect large items or construction waste with a hook. Waste separation garbage trucks are also a special category. They are equipped with systems to segregate garbage on site, facilitating the recycling process. Hazardous waste garbage trucks, on the other hand, are designed to collect and transport hazardous waste, ensuring the safe storage and transportation of substances such as chemicals, batteries or medicines.
Multi-compartment and single-compartment garbage trucks
Of particular importance in terms of dividing these vehicles into different categories is the body of the garbage truck. Among the most common are single compartment garbage trucks. As the name suggests, these vehicles have only one cargo compartment in which waste is collected. The cargo box can vary in size, depending on the size and capacity of the vehicle. The compaction of waste is carried out by hydraulic equipment, which allows maximum use of space. An important component of a single-compartment garbage truck is also the ejector plate, which is used to push the waste out of the vehicle during unloading. This allows the garbage truck to effectively empty its cargo compartment. Some models of single compartment garbage trucks are also equipped with a scale that allows you to determine the weight of the waste being transported.
Another popular type of garbage trucks are multi-compartment vehicles. Unlike single-chamber garbage trucks, these models have more than one loading chamber. This allows different types of waste to be transported at the same time, making it much easier to segregate and process. An example of a multi-compartment garbage truck may be a model that has two compartments - one for mixed waste and another for organic waste. This way the waste is stored separately and can be transported to the appropriate processing sites. This is particularly useful in cities where there are many different fractions of waste.
Loading method vs. available types of garbage trucks
We can venture to say that the most popular type of garbage truck is one that allows easy maneuvering in dense urban areas. At the same time, loading space and the ability to compress waste to take up as little space as possible are very important. However, in the end, much depends on the tasks we envision for the vehicle.
The body of the garbage truck can allow rear loading. This solution, combined with a waterproof tank with a top cover, is a good way to collect wet waste. Rear loading on a garbage truck makes it easy to collect waste from containers placed at sidewalk curbs, which is especially useful in urban areas. This type of loading also allows bins to be emptied quickly and efficiently, which in turn speeds up the waste collection process. In addition, rear loading can be more ergonomic for garbage truck operators, allowing them easier access to operate the machine. An alternative is side loading. It may be more preferred due to its ease of operation for the operator, who may have better visibility and control over the waste collection process.
A versatile application is the SuperMidiCar Double model with side and rear loading, available at Apriva.co.uk. This solution greatly facilitates the collection of large quantities of various types of waste. This type of garbage truck is equipped with two tanks and two independent devices for their rotation. This makes it possible to automatically load waste from containers of different sizes.
Waste disposal vs. capacity of garbage trucks
The capacity of the garbage truck is another important factor. It must match the amount of waste generated in an area. Large urban areas or areas with high population density may require larger garbage trucks with more capacity to collect waste efficiently. Conversely, smaller vehicles may be sufficient in smaller towns or areas with smaller populations.
The ability to compact waste is an equally important issue for the efficiency of the garbage collection process. Municipal vehicles equipped with compaction systems can reduce the volume of collected waste, which reduces the number of trips and increases operational efficiency. Greater waste compaction capacity can also reduce the need to empty the garbage truck more often, resulting in time and cost savings.
Additional features of garbage trucks
As technology advances, garbage trucks are becoming increasingly sophisticated machines. Garbage collection companies are increasingly demanding that vehicles be equipped with additional systems and features to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. One such solution is washing systems. These can include automatic washers that effectively remove dirt and odors from the vehicle. There are also garbage trucks that have built-in disinfection systems that eliminate bacteria and viruses from the cargo compartment. This greatly improves hygiene and safety standards for employees operating the garbage truck.
However, the ability to wash and disinfect a garbage truck's container is not the only additional feature that investors require. Increasingly, green and efficiency-enhancing solutions are being sought. Such include:
- The use of electric motors, which are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
- Use of automatic unloading systems that minimize worker interaction with waste.
- Equipping garbage trucks with monitoring systems to track and optimize the waste collection and transportation process.
- Integrating garbage trucks with waste management systems to better plan routes and optimize the garbage collection process.
The financial aspect is also an unquestionable advantage. Increasingly, it is possible to buy or rent with the option of servicing within one company. This, in turn, makes it easier to adjust the vehicle and the way it is used to suit the needs of the time.
