Trash is a big business, and it’s getting bigger.
- The U.S. waste and recycling industry is a $100 billion industry
- Americans generate 258 million tons of waste a year
- The U.S. is aiming to increase the national recycling rate to 50% by 2030
If you're making the trucks, the sorting machines, or any other refuse and recycling industry parts, you need to know what trends are coming down the pipeline.
So, what are the major things manufacturers in this space need to keep their eyes on?
Let's break down the top 5 trends.
Trend #1: Goodbye Gas Guzzlers, Hello Electric
Say good-bye to loud, diesel-chugging garbage trucks. The future is looking a lot quieter and cleaner.
Much like you might be eyeing an electric car, there’s going to be a push in the refuse and recycling industry for electric trucks.
These cut down on pollution, make less noise, and can even save on fuel costs in the long run.
But it's not just about going electric.
Think about fuels like natural gas that come from renewable sources. Some refuse and recycling companies are thinking about switching over for more efficiency.
Even hydrogen fuel cells could be in the mix down the road.
And of course, if you're making electric garbage trucks, you’ve got to think about how they're going to get their power. Building out charging stations that are easy to use and can supply enough power will be top-of-mind once electric trucks hit the streets.
Trend #2: Robots to the Rescue
Humans are amazing, but some jobs are tough. That's where automation and robots can help.
Automated Side Loaders (ASLs) are becoming more common on garbage trucks and recycling trucks. ASLs mean less heavy lifting for workers, speeding things up, and making the job safer.
Then there are the sorting superstars.
Inside recycling plants, robots with super smart brains (thanks to AI) are getting better and better at sorting different types of recyclables. This increases accuracy and efficiency — and of course, saves everyone money.
Even driverless trucks might be in the future.
It may sounds like science fiction right now, but the idea of trucks that can collect waste on their own is being explored. After all, there are driverless cars available today.
We're not there yet, but it could seriously change how collections work for the refuse and recycling industry in the future.
Trend #3: Making Waste Management Brainy for Your Customers
It's not just about the trucks themselves – it's about making the whole system smarter with AI.
Imagine bins that can tell you when they're full.
If we put sensors in garbage and recycling bins, we’ll be able to do just that. Trucks would only come when they need to, instead of on a regular schedule – which can be too early or too late depending on the customers.
Getting that just-right timing saves fuel in the trucks, hours of your employees’ time, and makes customers happy.
In addition, smart systems can optimize inefficient routes.
Just imagine what could be done with an AI-powered GPS system. Garbage trucks would be able to figure out the absolute best way to get from point A to point B, saving gas and wear and tear.
Plus, all that information from sensors and routes could be used to:
- Predict when trucks need maintenance
- Figure out how to make things run smoother
- Make smarter operations decisions
Trend #4: Thinking Beyond the Landfill
The refuse and recycling industry is moving away from just dumping everything in the ground. The focus is on getting more life out of our waste.
That will significantly impact the design and production of refuse & recycling equipment, parts, and vehicles.
Technologies that can turn non-recyclable trash into energy, like electricity or heat, are becoming more important. It's a way to reduce what goes into landfills.
Scientists are constantly finding new ways to recycle even tricky materials, like electronics and different kinds of plastics.
Equipment that can handle these advanced processes will need to be built in the future.
And if we're going to reuse more materials, we’ll need to upgrade the machines that process and clean them up, too.
Trend #5: Getting Connected in the Digital Age
Everything's going digital, and waste management is no exception.
Imagine all your trucks and systems connected to online platforms. It's going to be so much easier to manage fleets, track data, and keep everyone on your team in communication.
Just like we have apps on our phones, refuse and recycling industry workers might use apps to see their routes, report problems, and stay in touch with the main office.
And as cities get smarter, waste management systems will be able to connect and work with other city services.
Conclusion: The Future is Bright (and Efficient) for Refuse & Recycling Industry Manufacturing
If you're in the business of building the machines that keep our world clean, get ready for some exciting changes. The future of the refuse and recycling industry is all about being cleaner, smarter, and more connected.
Manufacturers who embrace these trends will be leading the charge in this vital and evolving sector.
And you’ll need partners who are just as future-facing as you are to help you get there:
- Embrace modern technology and processes to be more efficient and cost-effective for you, the customer
- Respond within 24 hours with quotes and communication
- Is experienced in serving refuse and recycling companies
- Offers transparent (and hopefully fast) lead times
The team at ReNEW Manufacturing Solutions covers all these bases.
In fact, one of the biggest OEMs in refuse and recycling industry manufacturing — Heil Environmental — trusts us to produce parts for its garbage trucks.
For nearly four decades, we've been a trusted manufacturer of refuse and recycling industry parts, with four fully equipped shops ready to produce parts for marchines, systems, and trucks.
We’re energized by the evolving trends in the refuse and recycling industry and are committed to supporting our customers as we confidently navigate the future together.
Get a virtual tour of our Texas shop or get a virtual tour of our Ohio shop and start working with us today!
