(January 20, 2012) DETROIT — Ice cream trucks bring treats, and fire trucks have sirens and hoses, but only one beloved vehicle arrives every week — like clockwork — and delivers with it such size, delightful noise and trash-smashing power.

That's why Waste & Recycling News will celebrate the garbage truck and its road to greatness with a commemorative issue, "100 Years of the Garbage Truck." The issue publishes Oct. 15, 2012. WRN's award-winning editorial staff will take readers on 100 "stops" of the garbage truck's storied journey to cultural icon.

These 100 stories, or "stops," will include profiles of today's and yesterday's truck makers, the men and women who made them great, the top 10 most important technological innovations in the truck's history, a photo album of classic models, a look at the largest truck fleets in North America and reader-submitted answers to questions such as "What do garbage trucks mean to you?"


Vintage garbage trucks from the Henry Ford Collection

"We want to produce a keepsake issue that celebrates and honors this incredible vehicle," said WRN editor John Campanelli. "Think about where we would be, where our streets would be, our public health, without this incredible vehicle. Not only should kids be in awe of the garbage truck, we all should be."

Individuals can submit story ideas, photographs and memories at jcampanelli@crain.com or by calling 313-446-6767.

"There's a reason there are so many toy garbage trucks; it captures the imagination of children. As adults, we come to know the value of this vehicle and the value of the people behind the wheel, in the garage and in the corporate office," said Brennan Lafferty, publisher of Waste & Recycling News.