Expert article

Everything you need to know about refuse collection vehicles

Rear loaders, crane trucks, side loaders and satellite vehicles explained. How to choose the right refuse collection vehicle.

Refuse collection vehicles in all sizes

Steco supplies refuse collection vehicles in all sizes, from small satellite vehicles for narrow city streets to high-capacity vehicles for efficient transfer loading. With solid expertise from several decades of experience, we can identify and meet the needs of your operation.

Refuse collection vehicle supplied by Steco

Rear loaders

The vast majority of refuse collection vehicles on Norwegian roads are rear loaders. A rear loader consists of three main components:

The hopper – adapted to the application and the bins it is designed to empty
The tailgate – the trough that receives the waste and the compactor plates
The collection body – stores waste during the round with an adjustable counter-pressure plate

Rear loaders can be equipped with different hoppers and tailgates depending on the application: crane for underground systems, winch for combi-containers, automatic feeders and more.

Today's compacting refuse collection bodies must comply with safety standard NS EN 1501.

Is it legal to stand on the back of a refuse truck? Yes, provided the vehicle is built and approved to NS-EN 1501. The standard requires a step sensor to detect when an operator is standing on the rear step — this automatically limits speed to a maximum of 30 km/h and blocks or warns during reversing.

The collection body

Once the waste is compacted it ends up in the body. Inside the body, the ejector plate is mounted to give the tailgate's compaction mechanism something to push against.

As the body fills up the ejector plate moves forward. When the waste is to be discharged, the tailgate is raised and the waste is pushed out.

Refuse collection vehicle with crane

Many options for emptying underground systems. Depending on requirements, axle configuration, crane placement and size, and tailgate design can all be customised.

It is also possible to fit a washing system in the tailgate to empty and wash underground systems in a single operation.

Small refuse collection vehicles

Also known as feeder vehicles or satellite vehicles. These can resemble standard rear loaders in a smaller format, or have bodies adapted for transfer to larger centrally located stations. Available with or without compaction.

Side loaders

Side loaders are equipped with a lifting arm on one side of the vehicle. The arm is operated via a joystick at the driver's position, allowing a single operator to manage the body without leaving the cab.

Dimensions, weight and technical facts

Wondering about dimensions, weight, turning radius or safety requirements for refuse collection vehicles? We have compiled the most important technical data in a separate article — useful for architects, road planners and others who need concrete figures.

Read: Dimensions, weight and technical facts about refuse collection vehicles →

Approved bodybuilder workshop

Steco's workshop in Drammen is approved by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration as a bodybuilder workshop. We can transfer bodies between chassis, install new bodies, and shorten or extend chassis components.