PHOENIX - The City of Phoenix on May 10 unveiled a newly refurbished garbage truck that had originally been targeted for replacement. The truck is one of 10 side loaders the City chose to reburbish, for an estimated savings of more than $1 million over purchasing new trucks. Each truck typically costs $250,000 to purchase brand new. A local business handled the rebuild, according to a release from the City.

Public Works Fleet Services employees worked on the refurbishment program, selecting the 10 best existing refuse trucks up for replacement for refurbishment. The City replaced the refuse truck body with a new one manufactured in Phoenix. Additionally, reduced painting costs and sign boards on trucks result in a savings of $28,000 for the 10 trucks and $2,800 per truck for all future truck purchases.

The average life of a new garbage truck is seven years; refurbishment extends the life of the trucks for an additional five to seven years. Also, the diesel engine emission systems will be retrofitted with new diesel particulate filters, which coupled with the use of B-20 biodiesel fuel, will reduce the impact to regional air quality. Delivery time for the refurbished is shorter than new truck orders.

Videos of the ceremony can be found on YouTube.