Trash Can and Dumpster Washing Trailers That Catch Every Gallon
A trash can or dumpster washing trailer pairs a hot water pressure washer with a bin cleaning head and a wash water recovery system, so you clean cans and dumpster pads without sending dirty water to the storm drain. Hot And Mighty custom builds these rigs for can cleaning startups, haulers and property managers, with 50+ years of experience, and delivers them nationwide.
Why do trash can cleaners need wash water recovery?
Many cities treat can and dumpster wash water as a pollutant. San Diego's guidance for trash cans and dumpsters tells operators to keep wash water out of storm drains, and Texas cities such as Fort Worth require mobile power washers to register and capture their wash water, with fines for violations. A recovery vacuum picks up the wash water as you work, so you can clean anywhere those rules apply.
What goes into a can and dumpster washing rig?
Component
What it does
Typical spec on our builds
Hot water pressure washer
Cuts grease, food waste and odor faster than cold water
8 to 10 GPM for bin cleaning heads
Bin cleaning head
Washes the inside of residential cans automatically
Dual head: 2 bins at once, Mosmatic spinner and turbo nozzle per bin, lock down arm
Recovery vacuum
Picks up wash water from the pad or the truck bed
250 CFM (1 operator) or 450 CFM (2 operators)
Trailer and tanks
Carries water, fuel and equipment
Open deck or enclosed, built to your route
Hot water or cold water for bin cleaning?
Hot water removes grease and food residue and breaks down odor faster, so each can takes less time and less water. Cold water units cost less but struggle with greasy restaurant dumpsters and sticky residential bins, especially in summer heat in states like California and Texas.
Can I add recovery to the washer I already own?
Yes. The bin cleaning head runs off an 8 or 10 GPM washer you already have, and a recovery vacuum can be added if there is room and power on your trailer. We look at your current setup and quote only what you need.
See example builds and prices
Listed starting prices and specs are on Hot And Mighty Direct: the Dual Trash Bin Cleaner and the 450 CFM recovery vacuum. Every quote includes your build time; we keep trailers and washers in stock for quicker builds.
Get a quote for your route
Tell us how many cans or dumpsters you clean a day, where you work and what your city requires, and we'll spec the right rig. Text us at 574-233-9111 or call 800-897-7515, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 EST.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dumpster washing trailer?
A dumpster or trash can washing trailer carries a hot water pressure washer, water tanks and, on most builds, a bin cleaning head plus a recovery vacuum, so one operator can wash cans and dumpster pads on the route and capture the wash water.
How much wash water can a can cleaning rig recover?
A Hot And Mighty recovery vacuum picks up wash water from the pad or the truck bed at 250 CFM for one operator or 450 CFM for two, so it goes into your tank instead of the storm drain.
Do I need to capture wash water when cleaning trash cans?
Often, yes. Many cities do not allow can or dumpster wash water into storm drains, and some, such as Fort Worth, Texas, require mobile washers to register and capture wash water. Check your city's stormwater program before you start.
Can one trailer clean residential cans and commercial dumpsters?
Yes. A bin cleaning head washes residential cans two at a time, and a hand wand, surface cleaner and recovery vacuum handle dumpsters and the pads around them.
What size pressure washer does a bin cleaning head need?
The Hot And Mighty dual bin cleaner is built for 8 or 10 GPM hot or cold water pressure washers. Hot water cleans grease and food residue faster.
Do you deliver outside your area?
Yes. Every rig is delivered nationwide by freight, or you can pick it up at our shop with free training. Every quote includes your build time.