Infographic: The Evolution of the Garbage Truck

Refuse trucks have come a long way from the dump truck bodies of the late 1800s to the trucks of today—equipped with cameras, telematics, onboard diagnostics and automated arms to make waste collection safer and more efficient than ever before.

But even with the highly sophisticated trucks on the streets today, haulers across the country continue to struggle with safety and a growing labor shortage. Although technology has helped refuse fleets ramp up their safety efforts in the last decade or so, the industry still struggles to remove itself from the list of the most dangerous industries.

Waste haulers today are looking for technologies that will enhance, but not overwhelm, their operations, particularly when it comes to safety, maintenance and attracting and retaining a younger workforce. This infographic takes a look back at how equipment has evolved since the inception of the garbage truck, as well as how refuse fleets have leveraged advancements in technology over the years.