#refuse waste

Transporting refuse waste requires secure load containment to keep drivers, the public, and the surrounding environment safe. These materials are carried in open containers on roll-off trucks, hooklifts, and transfer trailers, where hydraulic loading systems allow containers to be moved quickly and large volumes of waste to be transported efficiently.

Refuse waste hauling requires tarp systems designed for container equipment to keep loads contained, meet compliance requirements, and reduce the risk of material loss during transport and unloading. Choosing the right refuse waste tarp system is essential for safe, efficient operations. In this article, we examine tarp systems used in refuse waste hauling and the key considerations for selecting the right equipment.

Importance of Specialized Refuse Waste Tarp Systems

Refuse waste loads range from construction and demolition debris to recyclables, municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and organic material. Each has different requirements for safe, compliant transport, but they all need secure containment to keep loads covered, separated, and properly sealed so they reach their destination without costly delays or violations. Matching your tarping system to the demands of refuse hauling ensures the best protection for both the load and your operation.

Here’s why durable refuse waste tarp systems are essential for safe hauling:

Safe & Efficient Operations: Specialized refuse waste tarping systems offer automated efficiency, allowing operators to cover and unload materials without leaving the vehicle. This saves time during loading and unloading, reduces physical strain on operators, and lowers the risk of accidents. The result is more loads per shift and an increase in overall productivity.

Compliance with regulations: Environmental regulations require full containment to prevent debris from leaving the vehicle. A load that leaks, spills, or blows debris can lead to violations, downtime, and fines. Refuse waste tarp systems keep loads contained and help fleets stay compliant.

Load Protection: Loads, such as recyclables or paper, must be protected from moisture. Organic or municipal solid waste needs sealed containment to avoid pests, odors, or environmental contamination. Refuse waste tarp systems designed to your hauling requirements and vehicle configuration ensure optimal coverage and secure transport. 

Mesh vs. Vinyl Tarps for Refuse Loads

For demanding applications like demolition and extreme waste, consider Roll·Rite’s Super Tough heavy-duty mesh tarps. Super Tough mesh holds up well against sharp, abrasive materials and allows airflow through the load, which helps reduce wind resistance and improves visibility around the container.

When loads need to stay dry or fully sealed, heavy-duty vinyl tarps in HD, Premium, and Rip-Stop provide a waterproof barrier and better odor and spill control. Rip-Stop vinyl is especially useful on routes where occasional tears are likely, because it helps prevent rips from spreading and gives fleets time to repair instead of replacing the entire tarp.

Roll·Rite Tarping Solutions: Engineered for Heavy Duty Refuse Waste Loads

Roll·Rite tarping solutions are designed to make refuse waste hauling safer and more efficient. Our popular electric tarp systems for refuse waste feature durable aluminum construction and proven gear motor technology for reliable payload protection. Available for transfer trailers, roll-off trucks, and hooklift configurations, these systems are built for long service life and efficient operation in demanding refuse applications.

Refuse Waste Gantry Tarp Systems

Gantry tarp systems offer automated functionality, using a front-mounted tower to lift and position the tarp over containers for fast, secure coverage. Designed for single-axle hooklifts, multi-axle roll-offs, and larger container trailers, these systems are built for harsh environments and heavy use. Their automated operation helps streamline coverage, reduce manual handling, and keep daily hauling safe and efficient.

If you’re looking for single or multi-axle hooklift or roll-off trucks and trailers for larger refuse waste containers, the Roll·Rite DC Series is an excellent choice. It automates tarping operations, removing manual operations for drivers. Black Box™ wireless controls are included with adjustable tarp system features and provide a 360-degree viewpoint for monitoring tarp operations, giving drivers real-time visibility and helping them avoid accidents.  

For fleets preferring to power tarps with existing truck hydraulics, the Roll·Rite ALC300 Series heavy-duty steel tarp systems deliver reliable performance with hydraulic power for smooth, controlled movement over taller containers. Featuring the telescoping hydraulic sliding arm technology to maintain tarp tension during deployment, it uses a hydraulic telescoping gantry that raises the tarp spool above the container before extending the tarp across the load. This series is suitable for fleets using roll-off or hooklift configurations with different container sizes.

For refuse waste transfer trailers, the Roll·Rite STS Series offers an automated tarping solution that locks the tarp down to securely contain refuse debris. Rite·Touch™ Wireless one-touch key-fob remote control is standard for tarp operation and keeps the driver safely away from the trailer and load debris. Optional trailer-mounted switch controls are also available. 

Durable Refuse Waste Tarp Systems for Safe, Compliant Hauling

Selecting the right refuse waste tarp system improves safety, operational efficiency, and environmental protection in waste hauling. Matching the system to your vehicle configuration, choosing tarp materials based on the load, and durable system construction ensure secure load containment and compliant transport in refuse waste and recycling operations.

Consultations for tarp and safety solutions are available through Roll·Rite's Tarp and Safety Service Centers. You may contact our experts directly for quotes, product information, or for help finding your authorized distributor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do fleets choose the right refuse tarp system?

First, determine what the tarp system will be mounted on: a single-axle truck, a multi-axle truck, a trailer pulled behind a roll-off or hooklift, or a frame or frameless fifth-wheel trailer.  This will determine if you need a traditional front-to-back or a gantry system.  The length of the application needs consideration, whether it is the length of a trailer or a container.  And finally, the tarp specifications.  Do you need to keep the load mostly dry?  If so, it would be a vinyl tarp.  Or, you may need a mesh tarp for scrap, construction debris, dirt, or gravel. If you need help with tarp or system measurements, installation, or technical questions, Roll·Rite resources and support staff are available to guide you and provide the information you need.

What tarp system is used for refuse loads hauled on dump trailers?

Trailers often used for refuse include either transfer trailers or side dump trailers. Common tarp systems used are side roll tarp systems such as Roll·Rite STS Series. These automated, side-to-side tarp systems ensure secure lockdown coverage for standard trailers, especially for sealed tarp requirements when using vinyl tarps. For longer trailers such as scrap or gondola trailers, Roll·Rite’s Super Duty EX Series offers high-capacity or extreme front-to-rear coverage for trailers needing up to 57 ft of Super Tough mesh tarp.

What tarp system best covers multiple container sizes?

Tarp systems with adjustable features, such as sliding pivot mounts, adjustable gantry height, and sufficient tarp capacity, are a good option for roll off and hooklift fleets operating with different container sizes. Adjustable gantry and adjustable pivots are available on refuse waste tarp systems, such as the Roll·Rite DC Series. Another type of system may feature telescoping arms and an adjustable gantry, such as Roll·Rite’s heavy-duty steel ALC300 Series.