How Much Does a Garbage Truck Cost 2025?

Maintaining a clean city requires heavy-duty equipment and garbage trucks are among the most important investments for municipalities and waste companies. If you’re exploring the purchase of a new garbage truck, you likely want to know the price range for different types of trucks and how those costs compare across regions like the United States, Europe, and other global markets. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the costs of all major types of new garbage trucks, front loaders, rear loaders, side loaders, roll-off trucks, and electric garbage trucks and provide a comparison of typical prices in the U.S., Europe, and worldwide.

Factors Influencing Garbage Truck Prices

Before diving into numbers, it’s important to note that garbage truck prices can vary widely due to several factors:

• Truck Type & Size: Larger-capacity trucks or those with specialized loading mechanisms generally cost more. For example, a heavy-duty front loader (for large dumpsters) will have a different price range than a smaller rear loader for residential routes.
• Manufacturer & Build: Well-known brands (e.g. Heil, McNeilus, Dennis Eagle, etc.) often command higher prices due to their reputation for quality and durability. Custom-built or premium models with advanced features also cost more.
• Features & Automation: Added options like automated arms, cart tippers, on-board scales, cameras, and advanced control systems increase the price. Automated side loaders or trucks with sophisticated compaction and safety tech will be at the upper end of price ranges.
• Regional Specifications: Emissions standards and design preferences vary by region (for example, European trucks may have different body designs or engine requirements than U.S. trucks), which can affect cost. Currency exchange rates and local market conditions also play a role.

Despite these variables, we can outline typical purchase price ranges for brand-new trucks of each major type. Below, we detail each type of garbage truck and its price range, followed by a comparison table of costs in the U.S., Europe, and globally.

To summarize the information, the table below compares typical price ranges for new garbage trucks of each type in the United States, Europe, and globally. These ranges are for outright purchase of new vehicles (not used) and exclude operating costs, focusing purely on the initial price tag:

Front Loader Garbage Trucks

Front loaders are the large garbage trucks with hydraulic forks on the front that lift and empty commercial dumpsters over the cab into a top-loading hopper. They are commonly used for commercial and industrial waste collection (e.g. dumpsters behind businesses).

United States

New front loader garbage trucks typically cost around $200,000 to $350,000 for a standard model. Higher-end models with larger capacity (40+ cubic yard bodies) or extra features can approach the upper end or even exceed it. (In some cases, prices can reach $400,000 for top-of-the-line units with advanced tech.) For example, Big Truck Rental notes that a brand-new front loader truck “might be in the range of $200,000 to $350,000” in the current market.

Europe

In Europe, front loaders are less common than in the U.S. (many European waste systems rely more on rear loaders or side loaders), but where available their costs are similar to U.S. prices when converted. A typical new front loader in Europe costs on the order of €180,000 to €300,000 (approximately $190k–$320k). This is in line with global averages – industry sources note that front-loading refuse trucks often fall between $200,000 and $300,000 in most markets. European models, such as those from Mercedes-Benz, Scania, or Dennis Eagle, tend to be in this range, with the variance depending on the chassis and options.

Global

Globally, front loader prices generally fall in a similar band (roughly $150,000 to $300,000 for new units) in developed markets. In regions where these trucks are used, prices align with the complexity of the equipment. Some emerging-market manufacturers (e.g. in Asia) produce front-loading garbage trucks at lower cost, but those models may be smaller or simpler. It’s reasonable to expect at least mid-six-figure prices in USD for a new front loader anywhere in the world, with premium exports costing as much as in the U.S./EU, and only a few lower-cost domestic models in developing countries coming in below that.

Rear Loader Garbage Trucks

Rear loaders are the classic garbage trucks with an opening at the back – crews (or lifting arms) toss or tip trash into the rear hopper, and an internal compactor compresses the waste. These are widely used for residential collection.

United States

A brand-new rear loader garbage truck in the U.S. typically ranges from about $150,000 up to $300,000 for standard models. Mid-size municipal rear loaders often fall in the lower end of that range (around $150–$200k), while larger high-capacity rear loaders with advanced features (automated cart tippers, bigger engines, etc.) can be $250k or more. Big Truck Rental indicates that $200,000 to $400,000 can be a ballpark for new rear loaders, with top-tier models pushing the high end. However, around $250,000 is a common price point for a well-equipped 25–30 yd³ rear loader. (Smaller 6–15 yd³ satellite rear loaders can be less, whereas a fully loaded 32 yd³ model will cost more.)

Europe

In Europe, rear loaders (often called Refuse Collection Vehicles or RCVs) are the workhorses of city waste fleets. The price for a new rear loader in Europe is typically in the range of €130,000 to €220,000 for a full-size unit. For instance, recent UK procurement data shows a 26-tonne rear compaction truck is budgeted around £185,000 per unit, which is roughly €215,000. Lighter-duty or smaller-capacity RCVs (18–22 tonne two-axle models) may cost a bit less (around €150k), while heavy three-axle models with premium features might approach €200k+. These figures are comparable to U.S. costs once currency is accounted for.

Global

Worldwide, rear loader prices vary more widely because there are many manufacturers globally. In developed nations and major cities, the costs mirror the U.S./European ranges (roughly $150k–$300k). In emerging markets, there are lower-cost domestic models – basic compactor trucks built on locally made chassis or imported second-tier chassis can be found new for under $100,000. For example, industry sources note standard rear loader trucks typically range from $150,000 up to over $400,000, reflecting how a basic model in one country could be far cheaper than a top-of-line model elsewhere. As a typical global range for a new rear loader, around $100,000 on the low end to $300,000+ on the high end covers most cases, with the understanding that quality and compliance with stringent standards (emissions, safety) often go hand in hand with higher price.

Side Loader Garbage Trucks

Side loaders have an automated arm on the side of the truck to lift and dump curbside carts, allowing one-person operation. They’re common in residential waste collection, especially in the U.S., Australia, and some other regions, where wheeled garbage bins are used.

United States

New side loader garbage trucks (usually automated side loaders, or ASLs) are complex machines and are priced similarly to front loaders. In the U.S., a typical side loader costs about $250,000 to $350,000. Many fall in the low-to-mid $300k range for a fully equipped automated model. Big Truck Rental notes that buying an ASL outright “can easily top $300,000” for a new unit. For example, a Texas city recently budgeted $353,000 for a single new side-loading refuse truck, which is indicative of a high-spec model with current technology. Smaller side loaders (e.g. 10–20 yd³ bodies on two-axle chassis) might be closer to $200k+, whereas the largest (31–33 yd³) three-axle automated side loaders with premium chassis can be in the $300–$350k range.

Europe

Side loaders are used in some European municipalities (particularly where one-person operation and wheeled bin systems are adopted, such as Italy, parts of the UK, etc.), though they are not as ubiquitous as rear loaders. The cost in Europe for an automated side loader is comparable to other high-end refuse trucks – roughly €180,000 to €300,000. This is analogous to U.S. pricing, simply converted. Since many side loader bodies in Europe might be built by specialized manufacturers (or even imported), the prices in Euros often reflect the same ballpark after currency conversion. In essence, a European city can expect to pay around €200k+ for a new side-loading garbage truck with automation. (Manually operated side loaders – where a crew manually dumps bins into a side hopper – would cost significantly less, but those are more akin to simple rear loaders in cost.)

Global

In global terms, automated side loader trucks are considered advanced equipment and are priced accordingly. In markets like Australia or the Middle East where they are common, prices are similar to U.S. levels (often quoted in USD as well). You’re generally looking at $200,000 to $350,000 globally for a new side loader with full automation. There are a few manufacturers in Asia producing simpler side-loading garbage trucks (or smaller capacity units) which might be cheaper, but for major municipal-grade trucks, the cost remains in the high hundreds of thousands. The global trend towards automation in waste collection means side loaders represent a premium segment of the market.

Roll-Off Garbage Trucks (Hook Lift Trucks)

Roll-off trucks are those that load and transport large detachable containers (dumpsters, skip bins, open-top roll-off bins). Instead of compacting waste internally, they use a hydraulic hook, winch, or rails to pick up heavy containers (like construction debris bins) and roll them onto the truck chassis. These trucks are essentially heavy-duty carriers for large waste containers.

United States

A new roll-off garbage truck in the U.S. generally costs around $130,000 to $200,000 for a typical . Roll-off trucks tend to be a bit less expensive than fully enclosed compactor trucks because they consist of a truck chassis (often Class 8 three-axle) with a hook-lift or cable hoist mechanism rather than a complex compactor body. Industry averages put roll-offs in the low-to-mid six figures: e.g. around $150k is common for a new roll-off on a domestic chassis. Of course, higher capacity or heavy-duty roll-offs (stronger hoists, tri-axle configurations to carry big 40-yard containers) can push toward $180k or $200k. Recent purchase examples include a roll-off truck quoted at about $257,000 for a Texas city – indicating the upper end for a fully outfitted modern roll-off. Smaller two-axle roll-off trucks (with lower GVW and smaller container sizes) might be closer to the low $100k range.

Europe

In Europe, roll-off trucks are usually referred to as hook-lift trucks or skip loaders (depending on mechanism). They are widely used for construction waste, recycling containers, etc. The cost of a new hook-lift truck in Europe typically ranges from around €100,000 up to €180,000. A standard 26-ton 6×2 chassis with a hook-lift system from a quality European brand (like HIAB or Palfinger hook on a Scania/MAN/Mercedes chassis) might be roughly €120k–€150k. Heavier four-axle hook-lift trucks for 40+ tonne operations can exceed €160k. For example, if a rear loader is ~€185k as noted earlier for 26t, a similar chassis with a hook lift could be a bit less, perhaps in the €140k–€170k range, depending on features. These prices, of course, vary by country and exact specs, but Europe’s market offers a range of domestic and EU-wide suppliers keeping costs competitive.

Global

Globally, roll-off/hook-lift truck prices vary in a broad range. In developed countries, $120,000–$200,000 would be typical (similar to U.S./EU). In other markets, there are lower-cost options; for instance, some manufacturers in China or India produce new simple roll-off trucks at lower prices (potentially under $100k). However, those might be smaller in capacity or built on cheaper local chassis. A global average range might be $80,000 on the very low end to about $150,000 for most new roll-off trucks**, with premium models in rich markets at the upper end. Generally, because the concept is mechanically simpler (no onboard compactor), the cost tends to be lower than a comparably sized garbage packer truck, but one must still invest a six-figure sum for a durable new roll-off rig.

Electric Garbage Trucks

Electric garbage trucks – battery-electric refuse trucks – are an emerging technology aimed at reducing emissions and fuel costs. They can be configured as rear loaders, side loaders, or front loaders, but instead of a diesel engine they have an electric motor and large battery pack. Electric trucks are significantly more expensive upfront than diesel trucks, given the cost of batteries and new powertrain tech.

United States

In the U.S., the purchase price of a new electric garbage truck is typically in the $500,000 to $700,000 range – roughly double the cost of a comparable diesel-powered truck. For example, one of the first electric refuse trucks in Oregon cost about $675,000, whereas a similar diesel model was around $350,000. Another industry source notes an electric garbage truck costs $500k–$600k, almost double a fuel-powered truck. These high upfront costs (often half a million dollars or more) reflect the expensive battery systems and the fact that many electric models are low-volume production. U.S. cities that have begun deploying electric refuse trucks (e.g. New York, Los Angeles, etc.) often cite prices around $550k+ each, before any grants or incentives.

Europe

European markets have been early adopters of electric refuse trucks as well, and the prices are in a similar range (converted to local currency). A typical electric rear loader in Europe might cost on the order of €400,000 to €600,000. A UK council that trialed a Dennis Eagle eCollect 27-tonne electric refuse truck reported a cost of £423,000 for the vehicle – roughly $570,000 – which included some funding assistance. This aligns with broader estimates: a market outlook report noted that a typical electric garbage truck in Europe costs $500,000 to $675,000, compared to $300,000–$350,000 for a diesel equivalent. Thus, European buyers are seeing a roughly €200k+ premium per truck to go electric. Over time, prices may come down with scale and competition, but currently an electric refuse truck can easily be twice the price of a conventional truck in Europe, similar to the U.S. situation.

Global

Globally, electric garbage truck costs are high everywhere due to the cutting-edge nature of the technology. In North America and Europe we’ve noted $500k+ figures. Even in other regions, if the trucks are imported or built with similar technology, the cost remains several times higher than diesel trucks. For instance, China produces some electric sanitation trucks domestically; while they may be cheaper than Western models, they are still substantially more expensive than Chinese diesel trucks. As a rough global range, $500,000 is the floor for most full-size electric garbage trucks, and costs can go up to $700,000 or more depending on battery capacity and manufacturer. The high upfront price can often be offset by lower operating and maintenance costs over the vehicle’s life (and government incentives), but when budgeting for purchase, entities should plan for at least half a million dollars per electric truck at current prices.

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Conclusion

When budgeting for a new garbage truck, the type of truck is the biggest determinant of cost – with standard rear loaders generally at the lower end of the spectrum and high-tech electric or specialized trucks at the top. In the United States, new garbage trucks span roughly from the low $100,000s for simpler models (roll-offs or small rear loaders) up to $500,000 or more for cutting-edge electric trucks. European prices are comparable after accounting for currency, with heavy-duty refuse truck purchases often falling in the mid six figures (in euros), and similarly steep premiums for electric models. In the global market, one finds a broad range: some locally produced trucks in developing regions may undercut Western prices, but any advanced or large-capacity truck still commands a significant investment in the high five or six figures USD.

It’s important to note that these figures exclude ongoing costs – fuel/energy, maintenance, staffing, etc., which also contribute to the total cost of ownership. However, purely in terms of purchase price, these ranges give a sense of what municipalities or companies need to budget for each new vehicle. Always consider the specific needs (capacity, route type, emissions requirements) when choosing a truck; sometimes a higher upfront price (for a reliable brand or an electric model) can pay off in longevity or lower operating expenses in the long run.