Nashville unveils nine new automated side-loader collection trucks for Waste Services

At a public ceremony in Nashville, Mayor Freddie O'Connell and city officials unveiled nine new automated side-loader collection trucks for Nashville Waste Services. The vehicles, purchased through the city's fiscal year 26 capital budget, were presented to frontline drivers and operations staff at a ribbon-cutting event.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell praised the department and its staff, saying the new trucks would improve service reliability. "We're gonna make it easier for all of them to do the important work of waste collection in this city," O'Connell said, and credited the creation of a standalone waste division for focusing investments in heavy fleet and technology.

Tracy Thurman, director of Nashville Waste Services, said the nine trucks arrived as part of the FY26 capital plan and described the vehicles as automated side loaders known as the "sidewinder." "They're automated side loaders, that's called the sidewinder," Thurman said, and said employees had the opportunity to test the vehicles; she cited driver Ricky Clark's confidence in the trucks' ability to navigate tight city streets.

Thurman introduced Mark Clendaniel, president of Municipal Equipment, who thanked the city and noted the company's regional presence. "We've got local facility here in Murfreesboro. So we're close by, and we can take care of anything you need," Clendaniel said, adding that Municipal Equipment, New Way and AutoCar have longstanding experience in the business.

Participants completed a ceremonial ribbon cutting and the host noted refreshments were available after the presentation. The ceremony was recorded by the Metro Nashville Network; a replay and more information are available at nashville.gov.