Bin Lorry – Everything You Need to Know

When you hear bin lorry, a large vehicle built to haul waste containers, often called a garbage truck in the UK. Also known as refuse collection lorry, it serves as the backbone of city cleanliness and follows strict council routes and schedules. A bin lorry isn’t just a big truck; it’s a mobile piece of infrastructure that links households, recycling centres, and landfill sites, turning everyday rubbish into a managed flow.

Licensing, Training and the Safety Chain

Operating a bin lorry requires a HGV licence, the legal credential to drive Class 1 heavy‑goods vehicles, which includes waste‑collection trucks. Without this licence, you can’t legally get behind the wheel, and the vehicle stays idle. But a licence alone isn’t enough – drivers must also complete CPC training, continuous professional development that keeps drivers up‑to‑date on safety, emissions and road‑law changes. This training directly influences driver safety and the efficient handling of loads, creating a clear link: a qualified driver plus ongoing CPC learning equals lower accident risk and smoother routes. The partnership between licence and training forms a safety chain that protects both the driver and the community.

At the heart of the operation lies waste collection, the organized process of picking up household and commercial refuse for recycling, treatment or landfill. A bin lorry’s design – from hydraulic lifts to compacting chambers – mirrors the demands of this process, allowing crews to empty multiple bins in a single pass while keeping emissions in check. Effective waste collection depends on timing (avoid rush hour), route optimisation (reduce mileage) and driver awareness (watch for pedestrians and cyclists). When drivers follow CPC guidelines, they’re better equipped to handle these challenges, which in turn boosts collection efficiency and reduces fuel use.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles covering everything from the nuances of a HGV licence timeline, through CPC requirements, to practical tips for safe waste‑collection driving. Whether you’re just starting your lorry career or looking to sharpen your on‑road skills, the posts ahead give you actionable insight that ties directly back to the core ideas introduced here.