Aucklanders are being warned to stay well clear of rubbish and recycling trucks, as more than 100 near-misses have been formally reported since January 2025. Close calls continue to happen across the city, including a recent incident captured on video showing a member of the public narrowly avoiding a truck’s hydraulic arm.
Rubbish and recycling trucks perform an essential service across Auckland, but their operation involves large moving machinery and frequent stops on busy streets. Drivers must safely manage their own large vehicles, traffic, parked cars, and the collection process all at once.
Many of the hazardous incidents involve cyclists, scooter riders, runners and pedestrians attempting to squeeze past trucks while bins are being emptied.
Every near-miss has the potential to result in serious injury.
Auckland Council Waste Solutions Safety Specialist Lyndon Collie says people need to slow down and think twice before attempting to pass a truck in operation.
“A few seconds of patience can prevent a serious injury and the last thing we want is to see someone hurt,” says Mr Collie.
In some cases, drivers have needed to stop and check on people following close calls, and on occasion emergency services have been required.
The most dangerous moment occurs when the truck’s hydraulic arm returns a bin to the ground and particularly when people try to pass at the same time.
While people typically look for hazards on the road or footpath, the greatest risk is often overhead from the moving hydraulic arm.
Drivers manage multiple safety risks at once, including:
- Traffic and road conditions
- Parked cars and tight street access
- Bin placement and alignment
- Multiple camera views monitoring the arm, hopper and sides of the truck.
Despite this technology, drivers cannot see everything at all times, making it critical that they have a clear working area.
“We’re seeing too many people trying to squeeze past rubbish trucks, especially on scooters and bikes. When that arm comes down, it’s fast, heavy, and potentially dangerous.
“If you see a truck operating, stay back, give it space, and never pass between the truck and the kerb. Your safety depends on it.”
People are reminded to follow some simple safety steps:
- Stay well clear of the truck’s hydraulic arm.
- If you see flashing lights, keep your distance. The arm has a flashing orange warning light: this means the equipment is in use.
- Slow down, wait, or use another route rather than trying to squeeze past.
- Never place yourself between the truck and a bin. This is a high-risk zone where the arm is actively operating.
- If you’re riding on the road, never pass between the truck and the kerb. Always pass on the outside (right-hand side) of the truck, as clearly indicated by signage on the back.