Top 7 Garbage Truck Manufacturers in Australia

Picture of Jack Zhang | Founder at Blue Elephant

Jack Zhang | Founder at Blue Elephant

Hi, I'm James Ge, here to share my expertise in semi-trailers with you.

Table of Contents

A client once told me their new garbage truck broke down during its first job. Repairs took a month. The damage to their schedule lasted longer.

Another buyer said their old supplier kept changing delivery dates. They had to rent trucks to stay on track. That ate into their margins fast.

Stories like these show why buying from the right maker matters. The wrong choice doesn’t just delay work—it adds cost and risk.

This review is based on direct experience, product research, and feedback from business owners. It’s made to help you make a better decision without wasting time.

You’ll read about:

  • 7 manufacturers supplying garbage trucks across Australia
  • What they build and who they serve
  • Pros you should know before you buy

So, let’s start!

Quick Comparison Chart

Choosing the right garbage truck manufacturer can save you time and help your operation run smoothly. To help you compare your options more easily, here’s a side-by-side table showing what each Australian manufacturer focuses:

ManufacturerProduct FocusKnown ForBest Suited For
Superior PakGarbage collection vehiclesDurable builds, wide product rangeCouncils, contractors, and logistics companies
STG GlobalWaste trucks for rough environmentsRugged design, field-ready featuresConstruction, rural waste, heavy industries
Garwood InternationalCompact waste trucksManeuverability, urban solutionsCity councils, tight urban routes
ORH Truck SolutionsHeavy-duty and industrial trucksHarsh condition builds, mining-readyMining, oil, and remote work sites
Wastech EngineeringWaste management systems (not just trucks)Stationary equipment, compactors, smart techFacilities, warehouses, large sites
Bucher MunicipalFleet vehicles with tech featuresSide loaders, smart fleet integrationCouncils, large-scale contractors
MACS EngineeringCustom truck bodies and traysTough builds, tailored fit-outsMining, agriculture, regional contractors

This comparison gives you a quick look at how each company differs in product strength and service focus. Use it to find the best match for your business needs.

1. Superior Pak

    I once worked with a logistics company in Queensland that was expanding their waste services. They needed strong, reliable trucks fast. They chose Superior Pak. A few months later, they called to say it was one of their best supplier decisions.

    Superior Pak has been building waste trucks in Australia since 1997. The company started in Bundaberg, Queensland, and has grown to serve clients across the country. They make trucks for collecting garbage and recycling. Many councils and waste companies use their trucks every day.

    Contact Details

    • Location: Head Office – Bundaberg, Queensland
    • Phone/Email: +61 7 4130 2200 / [email protected]

    Best-Selling Products

    • Side Loader Trucks: Often used by city councils for residential garbage pickup
    • Rear Loader Trucks: Used in tight streets and laneways
    • Front Loader Trucks: Designed for large bins, often at shopping centers or industrial sites
    • Hook Lift Systems: For moving heavy waste containers
    • On-Site Waste Solutions: Compact waste systems for businesses

    Testing Procedures

    Superior Pak runs all new trucks through trial routes and mechanical tests. This helps them find problems before delivery. They also use customer feedback to improve new models. Each truck goes through:

    • Safety checks
    • Load handling tests
    • Hydraulics and system checks

    This process helps you get a truck that works the way you need it to from day one.

    Manufacturing Standards

    Superior Pak follows Australian work and safety rules. Their production process is focused on:

    • Building strong steel frames
    • Making sure trucks are safe to drive
    • Using parts that are easy to replace

    Takeaway Note

    Superior Pak is best for waste companies, councils, and contractors who need dependable trucks and local support. I’ve seen their trucks handle rough city routes and remote areas.

    However, they aren’t the cheapest, but they’re built to last. If you want less downtime and long-term value, they’re a solid choice.

    Top 7 Garbage Truck Manufacturers in Australia 1

    2. STG Global

      A few years ago, I visited a construction site in regional Victoria. They had just received a new garbage truck from STG Global. The operations manager showed me how quick and easy it was to operate. He said the team liked it because it didn’t break down and parts were easy to get.

      STG Global began in 1991 with a focus on building water trucks. Over time, they expanded into waste trucks, vacuum trucks, and fuel service vehicles. Their garbage trucks are now used by waste collection companies across Australia and New Zealand.

      Contact Details

      Best-Selling Products

      • Side Loader Trucks: Ideal for quick, single-driver bin pickups
      • Rear Loader Trucks: Common in tight city areas
      • Front Loader Trucks: Built for large bin loads
      • Hooklifts and Skip Loaders: Designed for bulk waste

      Testing Procedures

      STG Global tests its trucks before delivery. They check how each system works—especially the bin arms and compactors. Testing also includes how the trucks handle weight and repeated use. They use feedback from transport companies to adjust features and reduce repair issues.

      Manufacturing Standards

      STG uses high-strength steel and reliable hydraulic systems. Trucks are built to meet Australian safety rules and are made for dusty, uneven ground. Their builds focus on:

      • Easy maintenance
      • Sturdy frame designs
      • Comfortable cabins

      Takeaway Note

      STG Global is a great fit for companies in construction, rural waste, and heavy industries. Their trucks are strong and reliable. I’ve seen them perform well in remote towns and rugged terrain.

      One drawback is that their range may feel limited if you’re after lighter or smaller models for tight metro areas. But for heavy-duty work, they deliver.

      Top 7 Garbage Truck Manufacturers in Australia 2

      3. Garwood International

        Garwood International has been in the business for over 30 years. They started in New South Wales and still build trucks locally. They work closely with councils and private contractors. Their goal is to create vehicles that are simple to operate and easy to maintain.

        They focus on smart design and workability. Their waste trucks are often used in cities, laneways, and tight streets. They’ve also created smaller trucks for light-duty jobs in parks or commercial sites.

        Contact Details

        Best-Selling Products

        • Rear Loader Trucks: Known for tight turning and compact size
        • Side Loader Trucks: Often used in high-traffic suburbs
        • Mini Rear Loaders: Used in small parks, resorts, and airports

        Testing Procedures

        Garwood puts each truck through field tests in urban and suburban routes. They check maneuverability, lifting speeds, and loading systems. Each unit is also inspected for:

        • Weight handling
        • Safety systems
        • Hydraulic performance

        Manufacturing Standards

        Their team builds trucks under Australian safety standards and fleet guidelines. Garwood also works with local councils to update features based on real-world performance. They focus on:

        • Compact design
        • Operator safety
        • Build quality

        Takeaway Note

        Garwood International is perfect for city councils and private operators in urban settings. I’ve seen their trucks perform well in Sydney laneways with sharp turns. They’re reliable, but their small size may not suit bulk routes or rough rural conditions.

        Top 7 Garbage Truck Manufacturers in Australia 3

        4. ORH Truck Solutions

          In 2022, I met a waste manager from a mining camp in Western Australia. He told me they needed a truck that could run in hot, dry, and dusty conditions, every day. He said ORH was one of the few manufacturers that delivered something up to the task.

          ORH Truck Solutions started in 2003. They focus on building and fitting out heavy-duty trucks, including those for waste, mining, and industrial use. Based in Perth, they supply both public and private clients across the country.

          Contact Details

          Best-Selling Products

          • Hook Lift Trucks: For skip bin transport and site cleanups
          • Front Loader Trucks: Designed for heavy-duty waste
          • Vacuum Trucks: Used in wet or hazardous waste situations
          • Side Loaders: For standard waste collection routes

          Testing Procedures

          ORH trucks are tested in conditions that reflect their use—dust, heat, heavy loads. They check mechanical systems, hydraulics, and waste compaction performance. Each truck is tested to:

          • Handle maximum weight loads
          • Operate in extreme temperatures
          • Withstand vibration and dust exposure

          Manufacturing Standards

          ORH follows strict build and safety processes. Their focus is on:

          • Heavy-duty steel
          • Custom setups
          • Australian safety compliance

          Takeaway Note

          ORH is ideal if you’re working in mining, oil, or remote waste sites. Their builds are heavy-duty and fit for rugged conditions. The tradeoff? Some models may be overbuilt for city or short-route use. But if you need strong, reliable trucks in tough places, they’re worth a close look.

          Top 7 Garbage Truck Manufacturers in Australia 4

          5. Wastech Engineering

            Last year, I visited a food processing facility in Victoria. The site manager showed me their compact waste system from Wastech. He said they had been using it for over 2 years without a single breakdown. The system fit into a small space, and it helped them manage waste without hiring extra trucks.

            Wastech Engineering began in 1993. They are based in Hallam, Victoria, and serve all of Australia. Their focus is on waste and recycling systems, not just vehicles. They design compactors, balers, and full waste stations.

            Contact Details

            Best-Selling Products

            • Static and Mobile Compactors: Used in warehouses, shopping centers, and industrial plants
            • Recycling Balers: For cardboard, plastic, and metal
            • Chute Systems: Waste and linen chutes for buildings
            • Transfer Stations: Full waste management systems

            Testing Procedures

            Wastech products are tested to match site needs. They test compacting force, safety features, and machine durability. Each system is set up for a trial run before installation. Their team also does site visits to check that the system will work in your space before final delivery.

            Manufacturing Standards

            • Australian Safety Codes: Especially for building systems
            • Energy Efficiency Targets: Low power use, high output
            • Long-Life Components: Built for heavy-duty cycles

            Takeaway Note

            Wastech is best for industries that need full waste systems, not just trucks. They’re great for indoor or on-site solutions. However, if you’re only looking for a basic garbage truck, this may not be your best fit. Their strength is in systems, not hauling.

            Top 7 Garbage Truck Manufacturers in Australia 5

            6. Bucher Municipal

              Bucher Municipal has deep roots in waste and street cleaning equipment. They’re part of a larger global company but design and build many trucks here in Australia. Their local factory is in Clayton, Victoria.

              They focus on waste collection vehicles and compactors. Many of their trucks are used by city councils and waste contractors. They also provide street sweepers and other cleaning systems. Their team works closely with public clients, offering service, training, and after-sales support.

              Contact Details

              Best-Selling Products

              • Side Loader Refuse Trucks: Used in residential waste collection
              • Front Loader Vehicles: For commercial and bulk waste
              • Rear Loader Trucks: Compact models for tight urban zones
              • Stationary Compactors: For large volume sites

              Testing Procedures

              Each vehicle goes through system checks before delivery. Testing includes:

              • Control panel checks
              • Hydraulic arm cycles
              • Safety and brake tests

              Manufacturing Standards

              • ADR Standards: Australian Design Rules for road safety
              • Waste Collection Specs: For both metro and rural zones
              • Fleet Integration: Compatible with council systems and data tracking

              Takeaway Note

              Bucher is great if you’re a council or contractor that needs a reliable, tech-ready fleet. Their customer support is a plus. I’ve seen their trucks work well in major cities. One downside? Their vehicles may come at a higher price point compared to smaller local builders.

              Top 7 Garbage Truck Manufacturers in Australia 6

              7. MACS Engineering

                In 2021, I visited a workshop in Mackay where MACS Engineering was fitting out a fleet for a local contractor. The trucks were being prepped with custom trays and hydraulic lifts. The owner told me he’d worked with MACS for over 10 years because they understood what regional clients needed—no-frills, just reliable builds.

                MACS Engineering started in the 1970s. Based in Mackay, Queensland, they specialize in custom truck bodies, trays, and heavy-duty builds for industrial use. They’ve served mining companies, local contractors, and councils across Queensland and beyond.

                Contact Details

                Best-Selling Products

                • Steel and Aluminium Truck Bodies: For heavy-duty transport
                • Custom Fit-Outs: Built to match vehicle use
                • Tipper Trays and Hook Lift Units: For bulk waste handling
                • Tray Repairs and Upgrades: For older fleets needing rework

                Testing Procedures

                • Weld strength and frame structure
                • Tray fitment and function
                • Hydraulics and safety controls

                Manufacturing Standards

                • Queensland Safety Requirements
                • Heavy Vehicle Engineering Codes
                • Custom Project Specs: Matched to client needs

                Takeaway Note

                MACS Engineering is ideal for contractors, miners, and rural fleets needing solid, custom-built gear. Their strength is in heavy use and long-term service.

                But if you need mass-produced garbage trucks or digital features, they may not be your best match. They focus more on building strength than software or automation.

                Top 7 Garbage Truck Manufacturers in Australia 7

                Struggling to Find the Right Garbage Truck Manufacturer in Australia?

                I’ve spoken with a lot of buyers who all say the same thing. Finding a garbage truck supplier in Australia that ticks every box is tough. Long lead times and high costs often get in the way. Some even told me they waited months just to get a quote.

                I’ve been there with clients. That’s why I always suggest looking at options outside the local market—and China has become a strong alternative. One name I often come back to is Rhinotrail.

                Here’s why Rhinotrail has worked well for teams I’ve helped:

                • Strict Quality Control: Every truck goes through detailed checks before it leaves the factory
                • Custom Builds: You can get the specs you actually need, not just what’s on hand
                • Reliable Lead Times: They stick to timelines, and keep you updated along the way
                • Export-Ready: They know how to work with international buyers, making the process smooth
                • Good Value: Their pricing is fair—and you’re not giving up quality to get it

                If you’re tired of back-and-forth with local suppliers or waiting months for delivery, it might be time to look elsewhere. Take a look at Rhinotrail’s trucks and see if they’re a better fit for what you need right now.

                Contact us now!

                Conclusion

                You’ve now seen the top 7 garbage truck manufacturers in Australia. We broke down what they offer, how they work, and who they’re best for.

                Remember that contractor I mentioned who waited weeks for a delivery that never came? He made the switch—and never looked back.

                If you’ve been unsure where to start, now’s the time to act. Take control of your fleet. Choose a partner that fits your goals.

                Are you ready to move forward with clarity?

                Contact us today—let’s talk about the right solution for your business.

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