That's an excellent and practical question! The short answer is: it depends entirely on the type of outdoor trash cans you have. Standard garbage trucks are designed for specific kinds of containers. Let's break it down.
For most residential homes, the classic 95-gallon wheeled carts provided by your waste management company are perfectly designed to be lifted and emptied by the automated arms on standard garbage trucks. The truck's mechanical arm grabs a special bar on the bin, lifts it overhead, and empties the contents into the truck's hopper. This system is efficient and requires no manual lifting from the sanitation workers.
However, if you're using large, stationary commercial dumpsters (like those behind apartment buildings or restaurants), a different type of truck is needed. These front-loading or rear-loading trucks have forks that slide into sleeves on the dumpster to lift the entire container. A standard residential truck cannot handle these.
For public spaces, you might see small, decorative, or solar-powered compacting bins. These are not emptied directly into a truck. Instead, the inner container is manually removed by workers and its contents are transferred into the truck.
So, how can you ensure compatibility?
1. Check with Your Provider: Your local waste management company can confirm the specific bin types they support.
2. Look for Standard Features: Bins with wheeled designs and a metal bar across the top are typically made for automated trucks.
3. Consider Volume: Standard residential trucks are built for bins ranging from 35 to 95 gallons. Much larger containers usually require commercial service.
In summary, while standard garbage trucks are highly versatile, they work best with the standardized bins they are paired with. Always verify with your service provider to ensure a smooth and efficient emptying process.