How to Draw a Garbage Truck (Easy Step by Step)
A garbage truck is a fun first vehicle to draw because it is built from big, friendly shapes. You only need a rounded box, a smaller cab, and a few circles for the wheels. A little light on the roof and the recycling arrows on the side add a neat finishing touch.
- Medium
- 15 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a garbage truck step by step
How to Draw a Garbage Truck · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: The big back box
Start with a big rounded rectangle for the back of the truck, where the trash goes. Give it a rounded bump on the left side, and make the bottom a wide curved arch between two short feet to leave room for the wheels.
Step 2: The cab
Next to the box, draw the driver's cab. Start partway down the box's right side, go straight across, slant down to the right, then drop down and curve under in a half circle for the wheel space.
Step 3: The wheels
Draw three big circles under the truck, two below the box and one below the cab. Tuck the top of each one up into its curved wheel space.
Step 4: Wheel centers
Draw a smaller circle inside each big wheel to make the hubcaps. Keep a little gap between the two circles so the tire shows.
Step 5: The window
Inside the cab, draw a window shaped like a rectangle with one slanted side on the right. Keep it a little away from the cab's outline.
Step 6: The top light
On top of the box, draw a small upside-down U shape, like a little light. Let both ends touch the roof line.
Step 7: Door handle
Under the window, draw a short, fat line for the door handle. Round off both ends.
Step 8: The recycling arrows
On the side of the box, draw three short curved arrows that chase each other around in a circle. Put one on the left, one at the top right, and one at the bottom. Give each a tiny arrowhead at its end.
All done!
Go over your lines with a marker, then color it in.
Finished your garbage truck? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a rocket or how to draw a shooting star next.
Tips for drawing a garbage truck
- Draw the big box first and leave room on the right for the cab, so the two parts fit together without crowding.
- Make the three wheels about the same size. Draw one circle, then match the others to it by eye.
- For the recycling arrows, imagine a circle on the side of the box. Then draw three short curved lines along it and add a tiny arrowhead at the end of each.
Free garbage truck coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this garbage truck coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your garbage truck drawing
Try a bright green truck with black tires and a blue window. For a creative twist, color each recycling arrow a different color.
Garbage truck fun fact for kids
Many garbage trucks have a machine inside called a compactor that squishes the trash down. This lets the truck carry much more on each trip.
Questions about drawing a garbage truck
What shapes do I need to draw a garbage truck?
You need a big rounded rectangle for the back, a smaller shape with a slanted front for the cab, and circles for the wheels. The window is a rectangle with one slanted side.
How do I draw the recycling arrows?
Imagine a circle on the side of the truck and draw three short curved lines along it with gaps between them. Then add a tiny arrowhead to the end of each line.
How do I make my wheels look round?
Trace around a coin or a bottle cap for the first try. Then draw a smaller circle inside it for the hubcap.
