Waste Equipment Financing: Garbage Trucks, Roll-Off Trucks and Recycling Equipment
Waste equipment financing and leasing from Liberty Capital Group for haulers, dumpster rental companies, recyclers and municipal fleets. Finance garbage trucks, roll-off trucks, containers and recycling equipment with one application that reaches multiple lenders, and keep your cash for fuel, drivers and landfill fees.
Waste equipment financing at a glance
- Amounts: from about $10,000; application-only up to $250,000; up to $2,000,000 with financials
- Terms: 36 to 60 months, up to 72 months on select new trucks; leases up to 5 years
- Coverage: up to 120% of equipment cost, so upfits, containers, tax and delivery can be included
- Structures: equipment finance agreement, $1 buyout lease, FMV lease, TRAC lease, term loans and working capital
- Promotions: $99 for the first 3 or 6 months (for well-qualified businesses: strong credit, 3+ years in business and quality equipment) and 90-day deferral on select programs
- Quote: soft pull for your quote, no application fee, no prepayment penalty
What Is Waste Equipment Financing?
Waste equipment financing lets you buy garbage trucks, roll-off trucks, containers and recycling equipment and pay for them over time. The truck or equipment is the collateral, so approval is faster and easier than a bank loan and you don't have to pledge your yard or building. Fixed payments let each new truck pay for itself from the routes and container rentals it adds.
Waste equipment leasing works the same way, with lower payments and end-of-term options. Most haulers use a mix: a $1 buyout lease or equipment finance agreement for trucks they'll run for years, and FMV leases for equipment they expect to replace.
Garbage Truck and Waste Truck Financing
Garbage truck financing covers every body style, new or used, on any chassis. We finance trucks for residential routes, commercial accounts, construction and demolition, and industrial waste.
Rear loaders
The workhorse of residential and commercial routes. Financed new or used, including rebuilt bodies on new chassis.
Front loaders
Commercial dumpster service for restaurants, retail and multifamily. Often financed together with the front-load containers.
Automated side loaders
One-driver residential routes that cut labor cost, one of the fastest paybacks in waste equipment.
Grapple and knuckle-boom trucks
Bulk waste, yard waste and storm debris pickup.
Recycling and split-body trucks
Dual-stream and single-stream recycling collection.
Vacuum, septic and liquid waste trucks
Vac trucks, septic pumpers and grease trucks for liquid and industrial waste.
Waste truck financing is part of our commercial truck financing program, so the same lenders that fund long-haul fleets fund refuse trucks, often with longer terms because refuse bodies hold their value.
Roll-Off Truck Financing
Roll-off truck financing is the most common request from dumpster rental and construction waste companies. We finance cable hoists and hook lifts, single and tandem axle, new and used, along with the containers you need to put the truck to work.
- New and used roll-off trucks from dealers, auctions and private sellers
- Hook lift and cable hoist conversions and new bodies on existing chassis
- Roll-off containers from 10 to 40 yards, bundled with the truck or financed on their own
- Roll-off trucks for lease with FMV or $1 buyout options
- Refinancing of trucks you already own to free up cash for the next one
For more detail, read our guide to financing roll-off trucks and roll-off truck leasing guide.
Waste and Recycling Equipment You Can Finance
Recycling equipment financing and leasing covers the yard, the transfer station and the material recovery facility, not just the trucks.
Containers and dumpsters
Roll-off containers, front-load and rear-load dumpsters, carts and compactor containers.
Compactors and balers
Stationary and self-contained compactors, vertical and horizontal balers.
Shredders and grinders
Industrial shredders, tire shredders, horizontal grinders and tub grinders.
Sorting and conveyors
Screens, optical sorters, magnets, eddy currents, picking stations and conveyors.
Material handling
Wheel loaders, skid steers, material handlers, excavators with grapples and forklifts.
Scales and software
Truck scales, routing and billing software, cameras and telematics.
Yellow iron for landfills and transfer stations can also go through our heavy equipment financing program.
Waste Equipment Costs
Typical price ranges help you size a request. Your dealer quote is what we finance, and we can bundle quotes from more than one vendor.
| Equipment | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| New roll-off truck | $180,000 – $280,000 |
| Used roll-off truck | $60,000 – $150,000 |
| New rear-load garbage truck | $250,000 – $350,000 |
| New front-load or automated side-load truck | $300,000 – $450,000 |
| Roll-off container (10–40 yard) | $3,000 – $8,000 each |
| Front-load dumpster | $800 – $2,500 each |
| Baler or compactor | $10,000 – $150,000 |
| Industrial shredder or grinder | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Ranges are general industry estimates and vary by brand, body, chassis and condition.
Current Waste Equipment Financing Promotions
$99 for the first 3 or 6 months · 90-day deferral (select programs, well-qualified businesses)
- Up to 120% of equipment cost, including soft costs
- No down payment for qualified borrowers
- Terms up to 72 months on select new trucks
- No prepayment penalties
- Corporate-only approvals available for established companies
- Application-only up to $250,000; up to $2,000,000 with financials
- Approval as soon as the next business day
Program-dependent and subject to credit approval.
Leasing vs. Buying Waste Equipment
For most haulers, leasing or financing equipment beats paying cash:
- Cash flow management. Leasing needs a low capital outlay compared to an outright purchase, so your working capital stays free for fuel, drivers, repairs and tipping fees.
- Inflation buster. Truck and body prices keep climbing. A lease locks in today's price with a fixed payment, and you pay it back with tomorrow's dollars.
- Low, manageable payments. Fixed monthly payments make budgeting predictable and can be matched to the route or contract the truck is bought for.
- Terms up to 5 years, most with a $1 buyout. At the end of the term you own the equipment for a dollar, with no balloon payment.
- Section 179 and 100% bonus depreciation. A $1 buyout lease is generally treated as a purchase for tax purposes, so qualifying trucks and equipment may be eligible for the Section 179 deduction and 100% bonus depreciation in the year they are placed in service. Ask your CPA.
- Conserve cash. Keep your reserves for breakdowns, slow months and the next contract bid instead of tying them up in steel.
Paying cash can make sense for a few containers. For a $250,000 truck, spreading the cost lets the route pay for the truck.
Sample Monthly Payments
Rates and terms disclosure: Any rates, payments or terms shown are examples only. Sample rates apply to established businesses with 3 to 5+ years in business and strong credit (680+ FICO) and are subject to credit approval. Rates for startups vary and are subject to final approval. This is not an offer or commitment to lend.
| Amount financed | 36 months @ 10% | 60 months @ 10% | 36 months @ 16% | 60 months @ 16% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,613 | $1,062 | $1,758 | $1,216 |
| $100,000 | $3,227 | $2,125 | $3,516 | $2,432 |
| $250,000 | $8,067 | $5,312 | $8,789 | $6,080 |
| $400,000 | $12,907 | $8,499 | $14,063 | $9,727 |
Want your own numbers? Use our payment calculator or get a real quote in 3 minutes.
Waste Equipment Financing and Leasing Options
Equipment finance agreement (EFA)
Own the truck from day one with fixed payments and no balloon. The most common way haulers finance garbage and roll-off trucks.
$1 buyout lease
Low payments over up to 5 years, and you own it for a dollar at the end. Generally treated as a purchase for Section 179.
FMV lease
The lowest payment and off-balance-sheet treatment, with the option to return, upgrade or buy at fair market value.
TRAC lease
A truck lease with a set residual, for lower payments on over-the-road chassis.
Sale-leaseback and refinance
Turn trucks you own free and clear into working capital without selling them.
Working capital
Short-term funding for payroll, fuel and repairs between municipal or commercial payments.
Learn more about equipment financing and working capital loans.
Credit Requirements for Waste Equipment Financing
Established companies with 3 to 5+ years in business and 680+ FICO get the best sample rates, and corporate-only approvals are possible with strong financials. For startup waste management companies, lenders typically require:
- Business license or active business entity registration
- Personal guarantees from all owners
- Minimum 650 credit score
- No bankruptcies in the last 7 years
- No unresolved tax liens
Lower scores are considered for well-established haulers with steady revenue and contracts.
Financing for New Haulers and Dumpster Rental Companies
Dumpster financing is how most new roll-off businesses start: one truck and a starter set of containers. Lenders want strong personal credit, CDL or industry experience, a down payment or advance payments, and a simple plan showing your market and pricing. Starting with a quality used truck keeps the payment low while you build accounts. Rates for startups vary and are subject to final approval.
Fleet and Municipal Sanitation Financing
Growing haulers and sanitation contractors can set up a master lease or credit line and add trucks as routes and contracts are won, without a new application each time. For contracts with cities and counties, we can match terms to the contract length so the payment ends when the contract does. Multiple funding lines are available for larger fleets.
Choosing a Waste Equipment Financing Company
Before you sign, compare:
- Total cost, not just the payment. Ask for the term, buyout and all fees in writing.
- End-of-term options. $1 buyout, fixed purchase option, FMV or TRAC. Know what you own at the end.
- Used and private-party approvals. Not every lender finances older trucks or auction purchases.
- Soft costs and containers. Whether upfits, tax, delivery and containers can be included.
- Access to more than one lender. A broker with multiple funding sources can find approvals a single lender can't.
What You Need to Apply
- Online application. Complete, upload and authorize. Soft inquiry up front; a hard inquiry may occur upon approval.
- Truck or equipment quote. Dealer invoice, auction listing or private-sale bill of sale with the VIN, year and mileage.
- Three to four months of bank statements. To verify revenue and set up ACH autopay.
- Over $250,000: two to three years of business tax returns and current financials; contracts help for fleet requests.
Why Haulers Choose Liberty Capital Group
Since 2004 we have financed trucks and equipment for haulers, dumpster rental companies, recyclers and contractors. One application reaches multiple lenders and leasing companies, with no application fee, a soft credit pull for your quote and a dedicated funding advisor from quote to delivery. Need a truck? Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with new and used dealers.
Waste Equipment Financing FAQ
How does waste equipment financing work?
You choose the truck, containers or recycling equipment, we send one application to multiple lenders and leasing companies, and you pick the offer. The lender pays the dealer and you make fixed monthly payments. The equipment secures the financing, so you usually don't need to pledge property or other assets.
Can I finance a used garbage truck or roll-off truck?
Yes. Used garbage trucks, roll-off trucks and hook lifts are financed every day, from dealers, auctions or private sellers. Lenders look at the truck's age, mileage and condition along with your credit and time in business.
What credit score do I need for garbage truck financing?
Established haulers with 680+ FICO and 3 to 5+ years in business get the best sample rates. Startups (pre-revenue or under 2 years in business) need at least a 650 credit score, personal guarantees from all owners, an active business registration, no bankruptcies in the last 7 years and no unresolved tax liens.
Can a new waste or dumpster rental company get financing?
Yes. Startup haulers and dumpster rental companies can finance their first roll-off truck and containers, usually with a down payment or advance payments, strong personal credit and some industry or CDL driving experience. Rates for startups vary and are subject to final approval.
Can I finance roll-off containers and dumpsters?
Yes. Roll-off containers, front-load and rear-load dumpsters, compactors and carts can be financed on their own or bundled with the truck into one monthly payment.
How long are waste truck financing terms?
Most garbage and roll-off truck financing runs 36 to 60 months, with terms up to 72 months on select new trucks. Leases run up to 5 years, most with a $1 buyout. Longer terms lower the payment; shorter terms lower the total cost.
Is recycling equipment financing available?
Yes. Balers, shredders, compactors, sorting lines, conveyors, material handlers, loaders and scales can all be financed or leased, new or used.
How fast can I get funded?
Application-only requests up to $250,000 can be approved as soon as the next business day and funded within a few days once documents are signed. Fleet and larger requests up to $2,000,000 need financials and usually take one to two weeks.
Is leasing waste equipment tax deductible?
A $1 buyout lease or equipment finance agreement is generally treated as a purchase, so qualifying equipment may be eligible for Section 179 expensing and 100% bonus depreciation in the year it is placed in service. Consult your CPA about your situation.
What happens if I can't make my payments?
Missed payments can lead to late fees, repossession of the truck or equipment, credit damage and possible legal action. That is why we structure payments around your real cash flow from the start, and why options like a 90-day deferral or $99 starting payments matter.
Truck dealers and equipment vendors: offer financing to your waste and recycling customers. Become an approved Liberty Capital vendor.
Get Your Waste Equipment Financing Quote
Rates and terms disclosure: Any rates, payments or terms shown are examples only. Sample rates apply to established businesses with 3 to 5+ years in business and strong credit (680+ FICO) and are subject to credit approval. Rates for startups vary and are subject to final approval. This is not an offer or commitment to lend.
Liberty Capital Group, Inc. · Established 2004 · NMLS #2009539 · California DFPI #60-DBO49692. Approval, promotions and terms depend on the program, lender and credit. Consult your CPA about the tax treatment of equipment purchases and leases.