The short answer: A typical garbage truck weighs about 6,800 to 15,000 kg (15,000 to 33,000 lb) empty, and up to 18,000 kg (40,000 lb) or more when fully loaded.
Garbage truck weight by type
Garbage trucks collect and compact waste, and their weight rises sharply as they fill up during a route.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Small / residential truck (empty) | around 6,800-10,000 kg (15,000-22,000 lb) |
| Standard garbage truck (empty) | 10,000-15,000 kg (22,000-33,000 lb) |
| Front-loader truck (empty) | 12,000-16,000 kg (26,000-35,000 lb) |
| Fully loaded garbage truck | up to 18,000 kg (40,000 lb) or more |
| Roll-off truck (empty) | around 11,000-15,000 kg (24,000-33,000 lb) |
What affects garbage truck weight
- Truck type. Front, rear, and side loaders differ in weight.
- Waste load. Compacted trash can add many tons.
- Compactor. Hydraulic compaction systems are heavy.
- Body size. Larger hoppers add weight.
- Number of axles. More axles raise the empty weight.
- Fuel and fluids. A full tank adds notable weight.
How garbage truck weight compares
A fully loaded garbage truck at around 18,000 kg weighs roughly as much as a small airplane or about twelve cars.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a garbage truck weigh empty?
Empty garbage trucks typically weigh between about 6,800 and 15,000 kg (15,000 to 33,000 lb).
How much does a full garbage truck weigh?
Fully loaded with compacted waste, a garbage truck can weigh up to 18,000 kg (40,000 lb) or more.
Why are garbage trucks so heavy?
Garbage trucks carry heavy compaction equipment plus tons of compacted waste, which adds up quickly.
