If your little one stands by the window waiting for the garbage truck, then you’ll love our list of the best garbage truck toys. Opt for all the bells and whistles, or keep it simple and allow for more imagination. The number one choice is the Matchbox Garbage Truck due to its realistic sounds, side and rear loading options, and large size. Here are the absolute best garbage truck toys you can buy.
Best Garbage Truck Toys
The Bruder Side Loading Garbage Truck is a large, 22″ garbage truck with opening doors, however, it does not come with any accessories as you have to purchase even garbage cans separately. The iBase Garbage Truck measures at 12.5″ and has lights and sounds to make it more realistic. It also comes with 4 separating cards and 4 garbage cans to sort trash into residue, recyclable, household food, and hazardous wastes.
Matchbox Garbage Truck
The Matchbox Garbage Truck is a realistic 15″ hand-activated garbage/recycling truck. There are various realistic sounds provided, including when you push forward or backward, press the horn, or push down on the garbage lever.
Kids can drive their Garbage Truck around loading and unloading recycling or trash for hours of fun. A hand lever allows you to raise the garbage can and empty it into the top of the truck. The back of the truck has two doors that swing open for eliminating all of the trash you have collected.
If you’re worried about loud and obnoxious electronic sounds, this garbage truck is a realistic alternative. It will beep when you back it up, produce a motor sound when moving forward, has a hydraulic sound as you raise the lever, and makes a dumping noise as the trash falls out. You can also honk the horn, which is a more realistic sound verse anything too loud or annoying.
Made from solid plastic, this is a durable option for even the roughest kids. It is easy to use and frustration-free, and its large size makes it perfect for small hands. When they’re ready to get the job done your children can imitate their everyday heroes with this realistic garbage truck.
Pros
- Realistic Sounds, nothing too loud or annoying.
- Side-loading trash truck is unique to realistic trucks.
- Large size, easy to use, hassle-free, perfect for younger toddlers.
Cons
- You can’t purchase replacement trash cans, and it only comes with one.
Bruder Side Loading Garbage Truck
The Bruder Side Loading Garbage Truck is the elite of garbage truck toys with a German flare. This is a large truck, coming in just over 22 inches, so get ready to make some room.
It is fully operational, but all manual, no batteries required. It’s a very realistic truck, down to folding side mirrors and opening doors. There is a loading arm that will grab trash cans, and lift to the side opening. The back tailgate opens fully when you’re ready to drop off a full load of garbage.
This Bruder garbage truck is compatible with Bruder World figures, but they need to be purchased separately. Accessories such as garbage cans will also need to be purchased separately. If you’re looking for a large, but sturdy and realistic truck, this is the one for you.
Pros
- No batteries required, fully operational manually.
- Very realistic truck including folding side mirrors and opening doors.
Cons
- Really large size, just over 22 inches, will take up a lot of space.
- Does not come with any accessories, but they are available to purchase separately.
iBase Garbage Truck Toy
The iBase Garbage Truck Toy is a great engaging option for budding engineers! This DIY truck comes with cards to put in the rubbish so kids can learn how to recycle. Kids can sort into residue, recyclable, household food, and hazardous with four coordinating bins.
Once assembled, this truck is about 12.5″. It has realistic lights and sounds, and the ability to lift and dump trash in the side-load area or through the rear. The included four barrels allow your child to sort trash by garbage, recycling, and food waste.
Friction power allows this truck to continue to propel forward when being pushed. The six wheels make it realistic to real trucks and provide sturdy driving power as kids drive around collecting garbage. Even though children may need help with the assembly, if they are into basic engineering they will get a kick out of being able to help with the building. For really curious kids the DIY part will engage their senses and force them to think hard about the mechanics of how to fit each piece together.
Pros
- DIY truck comes with a screwdriver set for kids to help assemble, or disassemble the truck for added play options.
- Cards to sort to teach
- Comes with four trash barrels.
Cons
- DIY truck needs assembly, but will likely require the help of an adult.
Playmobil Green Recycling Truck
While this is technically a recycling truck, we think that the Playmobil version will still fit the bill for your little one. This truck is part of Playmobil’s City Action series, showing kids a realistic side to city life. And a big part of that is sanitation collection.
This truck comes with one trash container and two sanitation workers. People don’t come included with most garbage trucks, so this is a huge bonus! It also comes with lots of little pieces of trash/recycling, which is why it’s recommended for ages 4+.
The truck itself has a rear load option, and a hand crank to lift the garbage. If you have other Playmobil sets you can expect the same quality, and the people are interchangeable. This is a great addition to your Playmobil collection and we love that you can set up your town with similar features. Chances are your little one will love using this Playmobil Garbage Truck for days to come.
Pros
- Comes with the truck, 2 sanitation workers, a trash bin, and accessories for trash/recycling.
- Similar to other Playmobil sets, it comes ready to use and offers multiple opportunities for imaginary play.
Cons
- Trash/Recycling pieces are very small.
- Only comes with one trash barrel.
Best Garbage Truck Toy for Toddlers
The Playkidz 15″ Garbage Truck Toy is a large, plastic trash truck that has lights and sounds as well as a side and rear door for the one included garbage can; whereas the Flanney Recycling Truck is made of sturdy plastic with realistic lights and sounds. It also has doors that open to dump the included 3 cans as well as a set of cards to sort trash and screwdrivers to take the truck apart.
Playkidz 15″ Garbage Truck Toy
The Playkidz 15″ Garbage Truck Toy is the perfect realistic trash truck of your toddler’s dreams. The bright engaging colors paired with its large size and sturdy plastic make it an optimal choice for rough and tumble toddlers.
The large set of 6 wheels make this easy to push or pull both indoors as well as outdoors. There are realistic sounds including picking up and compacting trash, something that will help kickstart imaginary play. The lights at the top will give your kids the realistic feeling of backing up to pick up trash.
The opening on the top allows for side-loading, the rear fully opens as well. As a bonus, the doors to the cab open, which is hard to find in most trash truck toys. No people are included, but because the doors open you could always include your own. Overall a fairly basic toy great for young players.
Pros
- Side-loading trash truck is unique and harder to find.
- Large size, easy to use, hassle-free, perfect for younger toddlers.
- Side-loading, back opening and the cab doors open.
Cons
- You can’t purchase replacement trash cans and it only comes with one.
- Cab doors open, no people are included.
Flanney Friction Powered Waste Management Truck Toy Set
The Flanney Friction Powered Waste Management Truck Toy Set is an all-inclusive set for the trash lover in your family. There is the option for side loading as well as a rear hatch for dumping a full load once the truck is ready. Each can be lifted and dumped with a manual hand crank that is sure to delight your kids.
This truck comes with 4 different garbage cans, as well as 40 cards that you can use for practicing sorting based on materials. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a screwdriver set that will allow your child to build and take apart the garbage truck. There is plenty of room for imaginative play both as a trash collector and mechanic, hello future engineers!
Realistic lights and sounds will help enhance your child’s play while leaving plenty of room for engagement. This toy set leaves many options for play and the fun card game adds an extra element for learning all about sorting recycling and trash.
Pros
- Includes three trash cans, a screwdriver set, and a card game.
- Sturdy plastic made to withstand rough play.
- Side-loading trash truck is unique to realistic trucks.
Cons
- DIY truck needs assembly, but will likely require the help of an adult.
Melissa and Doug Garbage Truck
The Melissa and Doug Garbage Truck is a sturdy three-piece wooden set that is ideal for imaginary play. A trash bin is included with an arm to lift and dump trash into the back of the truck. The design is sturdy but simple, easy for young toddlers to navigate and master without frustration.
A thoughtfully designed wooden trash set is the starting point for age-appropriate imaginative play. There are no lights or sounds to distract toddlers, and it’s high-quality wooden material will withstand even the roughest play.
The truck itself is 10″ making it a great size for little hands. The simple and basic design allows your child to use their creativity as they drive around town collecting garbage. Melissa & Doug toys are great accessories for children with strong imaginations.
Pros
- Simple, easy, clean design allowing plenty of room for creativity.
- Durable Plastic made to withstand hard play.
Cons
- The small block of “trash” easily falls out of the can, which can be frustrating to some younger toddlers.
Best Toy Waste Management Truck
JOYIN 12.5″ Garbage Truck Toy
The JOYIN 12.5″ Garbage Truck Toy is a 12″ friction-powered trash truck that comes with three mini trash and recycling cans. You can imitate a trash collection with three rear loaders or you can hook the trash cans for rear-loading.
You can pump and release to lift the rear loader and engage with various moveable parts. There are sounds and lights that offer a realistic experience for your little one. Some fine motor control will definitely be required as the trash cans are certainly on the mini side.
Imaginations will soar as your child drives around collecting trash or recycling and filling the back of their truck. The truck itself is made from sturdy plastic that should withstand everyday play.
Pros
- Comes with 3 trash barrels.
- Realistic-looking truck, lights, and sounds.
Cons
- Cans are very small and thinner plastic, definitely geared towards ages 3+ and will require refined hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Best Diecast Garbage Truck
FUBARBAR Garbage Truck Toy Model
The FUBARBAR Garbage Truck Toy Model is a smaller 8″ garbage truck geared towards older children, ages 6+. With a lever on the side for opening the back and a fork in the front for lifting the included dumpster, this truck is a realistic model of a high-quality garbage truck.
This truck is geared towards older children, who can appreciate the fine detail and lifelike model. With no lights or sirens, your child’s imagination will have room to grow as they use this model truck. It’s harder to find a garbage truck that comes with a dumpster rather than just trash cans, making this a unique choice.
The metal die-cast also makes this truck different than the fully plastic options on the market. It will make a great toy for older children or can be a collection model for those interested in building their vehicle collection. This truck might be small, but it’s mighty. The realistic features will immerse kids in the world of garbage collection.
Pros
- Realistic Model with fine details.
- Fork in the front for the included dumpster, making this more unique than regular trash cans.
Cons
- Smaller size truck coming in at 8″.
- Sturdy design, but definitely geared towards children 6+ who are more likely to be gentle and appreciate fine details.
Best Educational Garbage Truck Toys
RACPNEL Garbage Truck Toy
The RACPNEL Garbage Truck Toy is a great educational truck if you’re looking to teach your children all about sorting garbage. 40 sorting cards are color-coded based on the included 4 trash barrels, allowing children to work on sorting, matching, colors, and waste management systems.
3 different sounds and lights are also included to make a more realistic play opportunity for your kids. Their trash cans can hook onto the back as they turn the crank to dispose of garbage. Friction wheels allow the truck to continue propelling forwards once pushed.
Once you’re ready to dump a load of trash, pump the button on the top for the airlift to work. A release button on the side will allow the tank to go back down afterward. The truck itself is a decent size coming in around 12 inches but be prepared for the barrels to be very mini, only about 1.5 inches high.
Pros
- Comes with 4 barrels and a 40 card sorting game, great for educational opportunities as well as play.
- Levers, air pumps, and buttons give various opportunities for engagement and realistic motions that come with a garbage truck.
Cons
- Garbage cans are very mini, only about 1.5″ tall, difficult for little fingers to navigate without frustration.
Comparing the Best Garbage Truck Toys
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Bruder Side Loading Garbage Truck | 7.1 | 9.4 | 99.95 |
| Matchbox Garbage Truck | 9.9 | 9.6 | 74.98 |
| Playmobil Green Recycling Truck | 6.9 | 9.4 | 63.55 |
| FUBARBAR Garbage Truck Toy Model | 4.6 | 8.4 | 44.95 |
| Playkidz 15" Garbage Truck Toy | 9.2 | 9.0 | 29.99 |
| Flanney Friction Powered Waste Management Truck Toy Set | 9.6 | 8.4 | 23.99 |
| JOYIN 12.5" Garbage Truck Toy | 9.3 | 9.2 | 18.99 |
| Melissa and Doug Garbage Truck | 3.9 | 9.2 | - |
| RACPNEL Garbage Truck Toy | 4.4 | 9.0 | - |
| iBase Garbage Truck Toy | - | - | - |
How We Selected Garbage Truck Toys
Functionality
While electronically powered toys are fun, they can lose their appeal quickly. We looked for Garbage Trucks that allow for children to engage physical (such as hand cranks or air pumps), friction style wheels that allow the truck to continue to propel forwards, and various style openings for realistic experiences while dumping the garbage. All of these elements will allow your children to live the life of an everyday hero as they collect and dispose of various items of trash and recycling.
Special Effects and Accessories
We found that many Garbage Truck toys only work with certain trash receptacles, and it’s not always possible to purchase replacements. We found many options that included multiple trash cans for extended play opportunities. Lights and sounds are not necessary, but we also looked for options that sounded realistic as opposed to loud and sometimes annoying sounds that come with many electronic toys. Your kids will enjoy the realistic sounds and as parents, you won’t have to sit around waiting for the batteries to die!
Age Range
We looked for a range of toy Garbage Trucks that would engage and interest children of varying ages. Simple designs without too many accessories are perfect for younger toddlers, while more detailed trucks are geared towards older children.
Most of the trucks on our list are simple push-and-go, friction-powered wheels, which children of any age can operate. However, those that come with small parts or accessories are geared more towards older children.
We think it’s important to note that toys don’t have to be cartoonish to appeal to young children. You can still find realistic-looking and fully functional Garbage Truck toys for children of all ages.
FAQs – Garbage Truck Toys
Why do kids like garbage trucks?
Lights, sounds, machinery, and a big truck that stops by regularly, what’s not captivating about that?
There are a number of reasons why kids are drawn to garbage trucks, and we think it’s a great thing to be fascinated by! That’s why we picked options for everyone’s interests, including DIY trucks. If you think your child is more interested in the mechanics, then a build your own truck might be a great choice for them. If collecting and dumping trash is fun, then pick out one of the classic options for your child.
What should I look for when buying a Garbage Truck toy?
A few things to keep in mind when looking for a garbage truck toy is age recommendation, durability, and features. Many of the accessories that come with some of these Garbage Truck toys are small and can be choking hazards for children under age 3. If you have small kids at home, or pets, make sure to supervise if you choose to go with one of these options.
Choosing which type of material will also factor in durability. If you have a rough and tumble child who is going to play hard, choose an option made from strong sturdy plastic or wood. If your child is going to be more gentle, some of the model trash trucks with intricate details and designs are appropriate.
And finally, decide what, if any, features you are looking for. Lights, sounds, and electronic moving pieces are great, but will the toy still be engaging if the batteries stop working? Finding toys that will hold your child’s attention, and grow with them as they mature is key.
How do you clean Garbage Truck Toys?
As with any toy, follow the guidance of the manufacturer when it comes to cleaning. However, most toys are able to be frequently wiped down without any damage. Garbage trucks that have batteries or any electric-based features should not be fully submerged in water.
