Dodge Center, MN (November 12, 2026) – McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) business, today announced Florida Waste Solutions is investing in a significant fleet of new McNeilus® refuse and recycling collection vehicles to support a new 10-year collection contract with Highlands County, Florida. The order, coordinated through McNeilus dealer Ten-8 Industrial, includes McNeilus Zero Radius™ (ZR™) Automated Side Loaders and Heavy Duty Rear Loaders, selected to provide reliable performance, efficient collection and long-term fleet support for the company’s growing Florida operations.
“Florida Waste Solutions is making a significant investment in its fleet and operations to support the Highlands County community for the next decade,” said Lee Dreas, president of McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing. “We’re proud they selected McNeilus equipment for this important contract and appreciate the collaboration between Florida Waste Solutions, Ten-8 and our team to identify solutions that will support reliable collection service for years to come.”
Florida Waste Solutions began operations in Highlands County in February 2025 after acquiring local collection assets. Led by a team with extensive waste and recycling industry experience, the company assumed service under the remaining term of the existing county contract and has since secured a new 10-year agreement to continue serving the community.
The long-term contract is driving Florida Waste Solutions’ investment in new collection equipment as the company works to enhance fleet reliability, reduce maintenance demands and provide dependable service throughout Highlands County.
“Our team has years of experience in the waste industry and has operated equipment from many different manufacturers, so we knew what we wanted when it came time to invest in our fleet,” said Wil DeOrsey, general manager of Florida Waste Solutions. “McNeilus has always been one of the best products in the industry, and we’ve had great experiences with the equipment and the support behind it. These new trucks represent an investment not only in our operations, but in the Highlands County community. Residents haven’t seen a significant investment in new collection vehicles like this in years, and we’re excited to bring them a newer, more reliable fleet.”
Florida Waste Solutions selected a combination of McNeilus ZR Automated Side Loaders and Heavy Duty Rear Loaders to meet the demands of its residential collection routes. The ZR Side Loader features a zero-radius arm designed to reach rather than swing out to grab containers, helping operators navigate residential environments while supporting fast and efficient collection. The company also considered equipment reliability and serviceability as key factors in its fleet selection.
Ten-8 Industrial worked closely with Florida Waste Solutions throughout the fleet evaluation and ordering process. The McNeilus dealer coordinated equipment demonstrations to help the company compare different configurations and provided training opportunities for Florida Waste Solutions maintenance technicians to become familiar with the equipment and its service requirements.
“Florida Waste Solutions took a thoughtful approach to this fleet investment, evaluating equipment through field testing and feedback from the drivers who will operate these trucks every day,” said Blake Ebben, vice president of apparatus sales at Ten-8 Industrial. “Once McNeilus was selected, our teams worked closely together to configure the fleet for demanding daily service, ease of maintenance and operator safety. With ClearSky Intelligence™ telematics and dedicated parts, service and aftermarket support from Ten-8, we look forward to supporting Florida Waste Solutions throughout this 10-year contract and beyond.”
Dreas added, “The combination of proven McNeilus equipment and technology, experienced operators and technicians, and strong local dealer support from Ten-8 Industrial provides Florida Waste Solutions with a solid foundation as it begins this next chapter in Highlands County. We look forward to serving their team and the community throughout the duration of this contract and beyond.”
To learn more about McNeilus refuse and recycling collection vehicles and support solutions, visit www.mcneilusgarbagetrucks.com.