Recycling Trucks - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Recycling Trucks was valued at US$8.3 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$11.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Recycling Trucks market.

Global Recycling Trucks Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

How Is Waste Diversion Mandate Reshaping Municipal Fleet Investments?

The growing global urgency to manage waste sustainably has catalyzed a transformative shift in how municipalities and private contractors invest in recycling trucks. With landfill diversion targets rising and regulatory frameworks tightening across regions, local authorities are prioritizing the deployment of dedicated recycling fleets equipped to handle multiple waste streams such as plastics, paper, glass, metals, and e-waste. From single-stream to dual- and multi-compartment configurations, recycling trucks are evolving to support more efficient collection, separation, and compaction operations, minimizing cross-contamination and optimizing payload utilization.

This surge in demand is particularly pronounced in countries implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies, deposit return systems, and circular economy mandates. North America, the EU, South Korea, and Japan are advancing national and municipal recycling mandates, which are directly stimulating demand for new-generation trucks. These vehicles are increasingly equipped with onboard weighing systems, RFID tag readers for route verification, and AI-powered contamination detection tools that streamline operations and support real-time reporting for regulatory compliance. The shift toward data-driven waste management is positioning recycling trucks as central nodes in smart city ecosystems.

What Role Does Electrification and Automation Play in Modernizing Fleets?

One of the most disruptive trends in the recycling truck market is the rapid shift toward electrified and semi-autonomous vehicle platforms. As urban areas enforce stricter emissions standards and noise ordinances, electric recycling trucks are being adopted for their silent operations, zero tailpipe emissions, and suitability for dense, early-morning collection routes. Several cities in Europe and North America have already mandated fleet electrification timelines, compelling waste haulers to invest in battery-electric or hybrid-electric models.

Meanwhile, automation is increasingly integrated into truck functions to reduce operator strain and improve route efficiency. Robotic arms for side-loading bins, automated lift-and-dump systems, and rear vision cameras are now standard in many fleets. Some manufacturers are exploring semi-autonomous routing capabilities using GPS, LIDAR, and machine learning to enable hands-free operation in controlled environments like gated communities or industrial parks. As digital and electric technologies mature, OEMs and retrofit providers are working to balance payload capacity, route range, and total cost of ownership, ensuring that advanced recycling trucks align with both operational goals and environmental policies.

How Do Economic and Material Recovery Dynamics Influence Truck Configurations?

Rising commodity prices and volatile demand for recovered materials are altering how waste management companies assess their recycling fleet investments. Higher values for sorted aluminum, PET, and OCC (old corrugated containers) are incentivizing precise material separation at the point of collection. As a result, there is a growing preference for trucks with multi-chamber bodies, adjustable compaction ratios, and sensors to detect overloading or contamination risks. This allows operators to extract maximum value from recyclables while avoiding rejected loads at MRFs (Materials Recovery Facilities).

Additionally, labor shortages in the waste collection sector are prompting greater reliance on automated side loaders that require fewer crew members per route. The shift toward closed-loop systems-where materials are recycled back into products by local industries-requires more granular sorting, which in turn influences truck design specifications. Fleet operators are now analyzing regional recovery economics to justify the adoption of more advanced, albeit costlier, trucks that offer higher ROI through better material segregation and reduced post-collection processing.

What Factors Are Fueling the Growth of This Market?

The growth in the recycling trucks market is driven by several factors, most notably the intensifying policy push for waste minimization, rising public awareness around sustainability, and the digitization of waste logistics. Urban population growth and mounting pressure on landfill infrastructure are compelling cities to expand curbside recycling services, increase route frequency, and invest in differentiated fleet assets. The global shift from linear to circular waste management models is underpinning demand for trucks that enable smarter, cleaner, and more efficient recycling workflows.

Government grants, fleet modernization subsidies, and carbon credit incentives are further supporting adoption, particularly for electric models. Innovation from both traditional truck manufacturers and new entrants is expanding design options across vehicle size, loading mechanisms, and powertrains, enabling customized solutions for commercial, residential, and industrial settings. As environmental regulations tighten and waste valorization becomes a priority, recycling trucks will remain at the core of sustainable waste collection strategies across the globe.

Scope of the Report

The report analyzes the Recycling Trucks market, presented in terms of market value (USD). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below:

• Segments: Truck (Rear Loaders Truck, Side Loaders Truck, Front Loaders Truck, Automated Side Loaders Truck, Grapple Trucks); Body (Compactor Trucks Body, Transfer Trucks Body, Roll-Off Trucks Body, Hoist Trucks Body); Capacity (Below 10 Tons Capacity, 10 - 20 Tons Capacity, Above 20 Tons Capacity); Propulsion (ICE Propulsion, Electric Propulsion).
• Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Rear Loaders Truck segment, which is expected to reach US$4.3 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 6.2%. The Side Loaders Truck segment is also set to grow at 4.7% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $2.3 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 8.1% CAGR to reach $2.2 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Recycling Trucks Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Recycling Trucks Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Recycling Trucks Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Amrep Inc., Autocar LLC, Bucher Municipal, Dennis Eagle Ltd., E-Z Pack Refuse Hauling Solutions and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 48 companies featured in this Recycling Trucks market report include:

• Amrep Inc.
• Autocar LLC
• Bucher Municipal
• Dennis Eagle Ltd.
• E-Z Pack Refuse Hauling Solutions
• FAUN Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co. KG
• Geesinknorba Group
• Heil Environmental (The Heil Co.)
• Labrie Enviroquip Group
• McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing, Inc.
• MOL Trucks
• New Way Trucks
• Pac-Mor Ltd.
• Peterbilt Motors Company
• Sany India
• Schwarze Industries
• Volvo Trucks
• WM Intellectual Property Holdings LLC
• Bridgeport Manufacturing, Inc.
• Orange EV

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes historical analysis from 2015 to 2023.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025 (E), competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.