Best Garbage Trucks for Short-Term Rental in 2025

This guide will help you navigate the truck rental industry, explore key vehicle types, and compare costs to find the best garbage truck for short-term rental for your operations. If you’re aiming to make a smart, cost-effective decision that supports your operational goals, you’re in the right place.

Key Takeaways

Learn how garbage truck rentals give you operational flexibility without long-term financial commitment.
Understand what to consider before renting, with a quick checklist to help fleet managers align truck specs with daily route demands and crew setups.
Know the types of garbage trucks available, from rear loaders to electric models, to see which truck fits your job and waste stream.
Get a side-by-side view of real rental rates and ownership costs to guide your budgeting decisions.
Discover how Trash Truck Rental with 20+ years of experience and reliable service help you stay efficient, compliant, and on schedule.

Why Short-Term Rentals Make Sense

For municipalities and private waste operations, short-term garbage truck rentals offer a financial advantage. Rather than committing to high capital expenditures (CapEx) on equipment that may only be needed temporarily, short-term rentals allow you to shift that burden to operational expenses (OpEx), freeing up budget for other priorities.

Renting trucks also comes with additional benefits, including:

Flexibility to scale operations without long procurement cycles or long-term storage concerns.
Useful during peak seasons, special events, or major construction projects when additional fleet capacity is critical but not permanent.
Provide access to the latest truck models and technologies, like automated side loaders or low-emission vehicles, without the upfront investment.

When urgent needs arise, rentals enable your team to remain responsive, efficient, and fully equipped to deliver uninterrupted service. For leadership teams focused on agility and cost control, it's a smart operational decision.

Key Factors When Choosing a Rental Garbage Truck

Before renting a garbage truck, fleet managers and operations leads need to assess a few key factors. A clear understanding of your operational needs will ensure you choose a vehicle that delivers performance, efficiency, and value, without overcommitting or under-equipping your team.

Here are the aspects to evaluate when selecting a truck for short-term rental:

Type of Waste Stream: Match the truck to the job; residential, commercial, bulk debris, or liquid waste each requires different equipment.
Capacity & Compaction: Choose trucks with the right cubic yard volume and compaction power to minimize trips and downtime.
Crew Efficiency: Automated trucks reduce labor needs, while manual loaders may require multi-person crews.
Route Conditions: Consider maneuverability for urban streets, durability for rural terrain, and local noise or emission restrictions.
Safety & Ergonomics: Look for features like backup cameras, collision sensors, ergonomic controls, and comfortable cabins.
Rental Terms & Support: Evaluate service agreements, maintenance coverage, uptime guarantees, and insurance policies to avoid costly surprises.

By weighing these factors carefully, you’ll be better equipped to choose a rental truck that aligns with your goals, budget, and service expectations. Trash Truck Rental provides short-term options designed to help municipalities and private haulers meet seasonal or project-based demand; without long-term overhead.

Once you’ve outlined your practical goals, the next step is understanding which type of garbage truck best fits the job.

Also read: A Guide to Expanding Waste Management Services: Renting for Growth

Different Types of Garbage Trucks to Rent

Each garbage truck type is engineered for a specific waste stream or route condition, and choosing the right model is key to maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime. Below is a breakdown of the most common trucks available for short-term rental, along with when and why they make sense.

1. Front Loader

Front loaders are built for lifting and emptying large commercial dumpsters using front-mounted forks. These trucks are known for their ability to handle heavy volumes, especially in urban environments with tight collection schedules. Renting a front loader is a smart move when you need to supplement commercial routes or manage overflow without committing to a full fleet addition.

Ideal for: High-volume commercial or multi-unit residential collection.

2. Side Loader

Side loaders are commonly used on residential routes and come in both manual and automated versions. Automated side loaders are popular because they allow a single operator to handle entire routes efficiently. Renting a side loader is especially beneficial for municipalities looking to test automation, fill in during labor shortages, or cover seasonal route expansions.

Ideal for: Residential curbside collection with limited staffing.

3. Rear Loader

Rear loaders are known for their versatility and ease of use. With manual loading capabilities, they accommodate everything from bagged residential trash to bulky items and light commercial waste. Most models allow for multiple crew members to load from the back, making them well-suited for team-based collection or cleanups.

Ideal for: Everyday routes that include individual trash bags and garbage collection across multiple residential areas.

4. Roll-Off Truck

Built to transport large, open-top containers used for heavy or bulky waste, roll-off trucks are essential for high-volume jobs. These trucks use a hydraulic lift system to load and unload containers, allowing quick turnaround, even when handling debris, scrap, and oversized loads.

Ideal for: Construction and demolition projects, disaster recovery, bulk material hauling, or seasonal cleanouts.

5. Specialty Vehicles

Specialty trucks like vacuum trucks, grapple trucks, and container delivery units are designed for targeted, high-demand tasks. These vehicles typically aren't part of standard fleets, but short-term rentals make it possible to access them only when needed, without investing in rarely used equipment.

Ideal for: Sludge pumping, sewer maintenance, storm debris cleanup, tree removal, or other specialized waste scenarios.

6. Electric & Alternative-Fuel Trucks

Electric, hybrid, and CNG-powered garbage trucks are gaining traction as municipalities push for cleaner, quieter operations. These low-emission vehicles help meet environmental targets and reduce noise pollution, especially valuable for early-morning or urban routes.

Ideal for: Emission-restricted zones, pilot programs, sustainability initiatives, or evaluating new technology without long-term risk.

Access to the right vehicle makes all the difference when tackling a specific project, covering staffing gaps, or exploring sustainable waste solutions. Trash Truck Rental offers a wide range of garbage trucks for short-term use, making it easier to scale operations or test new equipment without the pressure of a long-term investment.

Ultimately, the best garbage truck for short-term rental comes down to how you plan to use it. Matching the vehicle type to your waste stream, route conditions, and crew setup is key to getting the most value and performance out of your rental.

Safety, Compliance & Operator Readiness

Rentals still carry long-term risk if safety and compliance are overlooked. It’s critical to ensure any garbage truck you rent meets local, state, and DOT safety regulations, especially for CDL-required units.

Look for trucks equipped with modern safety features like backup cameras, 360° sensors, collision avoidance systems, and ergonomic in-cab controls. These reduce risk to both the crew and the public, particularly in dense urban or high-traffic routes.
Verify that the rental includes up-to-date inspection certifications and maintenance logs to stay compliant during audits or roadside checks.
Reputable rental providers will supply OEM-specific training materials (e.g., from Pac-Tech, McNeilus, or Heil) along with quick-start guides and operator manuals. Ask for an on-site or remote orientation to get your team up to speed fast.

Once you’ve identified the right truck type and ensured it meets all operational standards, the next step is weighing the financial side, specifically, whether renting or buying offers the best value for your situation.

Also read: Do You Need a CDL to Drive a Garbage Truck?

Total Cost of Ownership: Renting vs. Buying

When comparing rentals to purchasing a garbage truck outright, cost is a major factor, but it’s not just about the sticker price. Understanding the full cost of ownership helps you make smarter, budget-conscious decisions.

1. Buying a Garbage Truck:

Upfront cost: $250,000–$350,000+ per truck, depending on type (automated side loaders and front loaders cost more).
Annual maintenance & repairs: $15,000–$25,000 per unit.
Insurance, licensing, and compliance: ~$10,000/year.
Depreciation: Trucks typically depreciate 15–20% per year over the first 5 years.
Storage/backup fleet costs: Idle assets still consume overhead.

2. Renting a Garbage Truck (Short-Term):

Bi-weekly rental rates: about $4,000 from Trash Truck Rental.
Monthly rentals: $9,500 on average.
What’s included: Insurance, DOT compliance, and sometimes driver training support.
Flexibility: Scale up or down without long-term capital tied up.

Bottom line: Renting is often 30–40% more cost-effective than buying.

For operations facing seasonal demand, emergency fleet gaps, or pilot programs, the short-term ROI of renting is often stronger. You pay only for what you need, when you need it, freeing up cash flow and reducing overhead while keeping your service levels consistent and compliant.

Once you've weighed the costs and confirmed that renting makes financial sense for your operation, it’s just as important to consider who you rent from.

Also read: The Benefits of Renting a Garbage Truck for Fleet Maintenance and Management

Trash Truck Rental: Designed for Your Operational Needs

At Trash Truck Rental, we know what’s at stake when you need a garbage truck, and our mission is to keep your operation running smoothly with dependable, flexible short-term rentals.

We specialize in providing:

Automated side loaders
Rear loaders
Roll-off trucks

Our rental terms range from 28 days to two years, giving you the flexibility you need. Every truck in our fleet is maintained to the highest standards, ensuring that it’s clean, road-ready, and reliable. Even our lightly used trucks come with 4–5 years of warranty coverage, including engine and transmission warranties, offering you peace of mind with every mile.

Who We Serve

We focus on the specific needs of municipalities and private waste management businesses, helping them stay agile, efficient, and fully equipped. While we primarily serve the Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa areas, we also offer nationwide sales.

Why Choose Us?

Clear communication and competitive pricing
Responsive customer service that helps you meet your service goals
No expensive, long-term commitments

When you rent from Trash Truck Rental, you’re not just getting a truck — you’re getting a reliable partner who values your work and the community you serve.

Conclusion

Choosing the best garbage truck to rent comes down to aligning the right vehicle with your operational needs, service demands, and budget. From truck type to total cost of ownership, safety, and rental partner selection, making an informed decision can directly impact your fleet’s performance and bottom line.

With over 20 years of industry experience, Trash Truck Rental understands the daily challenges waste management teams face. We deliver well-maintained, road-ready trucks with flexible terms, expert support, and clear communication you deserve. Our focus is on helping your operation run efficiently, affordably, and without interruption, every time you rent.

Let’s get your fleet moving. Contact Trash Truck Rental today to find the best garbage truck for short-term rental, ready when and where you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a small garbage truck cost?

A small rear loader or manual side loader typically starts around $200,000 - $250,000, depending on the brand, size, and features. Automated models or trucks with specialized capabilities can cost more.

2. Can you rent a garbage truck?

Yes, you can rent garbage trucks for short-term or long-term use. Trash Truck Rental offers trucks for periods ranging from 28 days to 2 years, and they are ideal for covering seasonal surges, breakdowns, or pilot programs without a major capital investment.

3. What is the best type of garbage truck?

It depends on your use case. Rear loaders are versatile and widely used for general collection. Side loaders are efficient for residential curbside pickup. Front-loaders handle heavy commercial routes. Roll-off trucks are best for bulky debris or construction waste. The best truck is the one that aligns with your waste stream, route type, and crew size.

4. How much is insurance for a garbage truck?

Insurance varies by location, truck value, and use, but expect to pay around $8,000 to $12,000 annually for full commercial coverage. Rental agreements may include basic insurance or require you to provide your own; always verify with the provider.

5. What is the lifespan of a garbage truck?

Most garbage trucks last 7 to 12 years, depending on mileage, usage intensity, and maintenance. High-mileage trucks may need major repairs sooner, while well-maintained vehicles, especially those in rental fleets, can remain operational well beyond a decade.

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