About Refuse Semitrailers
The term “refuse trailer” can refer to many subtypes of semitrailers that are all designed to haul garbage, debris, scrap, and demolition materials from transfer stations to landfills, for instance. Generally, these trailers are defined mostly by their cargo, but they do have a few features in common.
For starters, they tend to be box trailers between 37 and 53 feet (11 and 16 meters) long with rigid sides that are either smooth or vertically ribbed with external posts for greater support. In addition, many are built with open tops for easy loading and open backs for quick unloading. Finally, many are equipped with electric or hand-crank tarp systems for greater load security in transit, as well as a man station or ladder where the operator can view the payload from above.

East Unloader Refuse Trailer
Newer refuse trailers are frequently used for municipal, construction, and other commercial use and can cost up to $80,000 or more.
Unloading Mechanisms
The mechanism for unloading a refuse trailer is one of the distinguishing characteristics of each type. For instance, there are several types of self-unloading trailers, such as chain floor, chain drive, or belt trailers. These employ an electric or gas-powered motor to drive a belt system built into the trailer’s floor.
Their cousins—live-floor, walking-floor, and moving-floor trailers—use a series of floor slats that slide back and forth alternately to slowly “walk” the payload out the back of the trailer.
Other types of trailers you’ll find in the refuse trailer category on TruckPaper.com include tipper trailers, which use a hydraulic piston beneath the trailer bed to raise the front of the trailer and empty its contents through a gate in the back, and pushout trailers, which rely on a hydraulic ejector ram cylinder that pushes the payload to the rear.
History
Trailer manufacturer Steco claims to have made the first open-top push-out transfer trailer in 1972. The East company came up with an aluminum, large capacity push-out refuse trailer in 1979. East followed up with a moving-floor aluminum model in 1985, and continued innovating with the advent of the smooth, easily cleanable side walls of the Genesis refuse trailer in 2001.
Find The Right Refuse Trailer
Manufacturers of new and used refuse semitrailers for sale on TruckPaper.com include Demco, East Manufacturing, E-Pak Manufacturing, Great Dane, Heil, Mac Trailer, and many others.