What to Consider Before Repainting Your Recycling Vehicle

Repainting a recycling vehicle is more than just a cosmetic update. It’s an opportunity to enhance the safety, branding, and durability of a key asset in your fleet. Careful planning is essential to ensure the job is done right. Here are some important factors to consider.

Compliance with Regulations

When repainting a recycling vehicle, make sure to follow local and national regulations. Otherwise, your new paint job could come with hefty fines or the removal of your vehicle from the roads. A few regulations to check on include:

  • Certain color schemes, safety decals, and reflective markings are often required for waste management or recycling vehicles to ensure visibility and safety on the road.
  • Many states, including Oregon and Washington, regulate the use of paints that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • Many states have strict protocols for disposing of paint-related waste, including solvents, old paint, and any contaminated debris.

Double-check these requirements with local authorities before choosing your design to avoid any compliance issues down the line.

Branding and Company Image

Your recycling vehicle plays a major role in promoting your business. When repainting, think about how you want your brand to be represented. Incorporate your logo, company colors, and any messaging that highlights your mission or services.

If local regulations don’t already require it, consider displaying your contact information and website on your vehicle. This simple addition can make your vehicle a powerful marketing tool while on the job.

Proper Surface Preparation

One of the most important steps in any vehicle repainting project is preparing the surface correctly. Skipping these steps can lead to peeling, fading, or other issues that will shorten the life of the paint job. A few key things to do include

  • Remove old paint and rust
  • Repair dents and imperfections
  • Sand and smooth the surface
  • Choose the right primer for the job

Durable Paints for Long-term Use

Recycling vehicles are constantly exposed to harsh weather, debris, and daily wear and tear. It’s essential to choose a high-quality, durable paint that can withstand these tough conditions. Consider things your vehicle will be exposed to throughout the year, like extreme seasonal temperatures, road salts during the winter, and UV exposure.

You should also consider other factors like paint’s reputation for long-term results and how long it takes to cure.

Operational Downtime

The paint needs time to dry and cure to ensure a clean, long-lasting final result. If your team takes the vehicle out too early, it can damage the surface with scratches and stuck debris.

Try to schedule the repainting during quieter periods, or make alternative arrangements like renting a recycling vehicle to keep your operations running smoothly. 

Consider Professional Painting Over DIY

Professional painters bring expertise and specialized equipment to ensure a high-quality finish. They are also familiar with legal requirements for commercial vehicles, so they can help make sure that all safety and compliance requirements are met. 

SWS Offers Professional Paint Services

SWS’s drive-through paint booth uses a high-efficiency natural gas heating system that cures and finishes your project quickly! We help you get the job done right the first time. Contact us today to discuss ways we can help optimize and update your fleet.