The Waste Truck That Goes Where Others Dare Not

The growth in high-rise, high-density residential and commercial properties in Australian cities is continuing to prove a challenge to the waste industry.

Tackling the issue at a national, state and local government level, a range of initiatives have been implemented to foster a ‘Circular Waste Economy,’ by encouraging the recycling and reuse of products which in turn reduces overall waste in our densely populated cities.

The Circular Waste Economy will be a key talking point of the ReGen Expo, Conference and Product Showcase (formally known as AWRE - Australian Waste & Recycling Expo) to be held at Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC) from the 23^rd to the 24^th of July.

Less is more

Also hoping to get tongues wagging at the re-vamped event, Isuzu Trucks will be showcasing the smallest addition to its new model range, aimed directly at inner-city, urban applications – the narrow, low-cab, compact NKR 65/45-150 (dual rated 6.5tonne / 4.5tonne). ​

Known as the ‘City Slicker,’ the NKR cab chassis line-up is returning to the Australian market as part of Isuzu’s all-new range of trucks recently unveiled at the Brisbane Truck Show.

With a width of 1,695 mm and height of 1,990 mm, plus a range of wheelbase options of 2,490mm, 2,760mm and 3,360 mm, Isuzu’s ReGen NKR 65/45-150 offers a novel solution for a wide range of inner-city waste collection requirements, where access can be limited. ​

Go anywhere

“The NKR is the perfect inner-city dweller with its narrow cab allowing easy egress in and out of the vehicle in tight places, plus the sub two-metre roof line means it can access a large number of underground carparks and loading docks,” said Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) Product Manager – Light Duty, Rajeev Pillai.

“While offering a decent payload, the little NKR also features a tight 11.5m kerb to kerb turning circle diameter (3360mm wheelbase), meaning dead-end lanes and loading bays can be accessed more efficiently. ​ ​

“The bonus of the NKR is that it can be built with fit-for-purpose bodies that can directly benefit waste operators – this is not just an oversized ute.

“With a raft of changes to the way we approach waste management coming our way, we’re confident this new product will plug in well for a range of applications in this space.”

Fit for purpose

The release of the NKR later this year feeds into another initiative to be discussed at ReGen 25, that being the Federal Government’s National Kerbside Collections Roadmap, which aims to progressively introduce consistent bin lid colours, cut waste sent to landfill, and provide clear information about what can and can’t be collected and recycled.

The changes are likely to translate to an increase in different bin types on our tight inner-city streets, laneways, underground carparks and shopping centre loading docks. In turn, this is prompting councils and waste disposal companies to think outside the box in terms of what is the most efficient collection solution for these scenarios.

A compelling prospect

Top of mind will be Isuzu’s on-stand NKR 65/45-150, powered by Isuzu’s advanced 3.0 litre, 4-cyclinder 4JZ1-TCS powerplant, outputting 110 kW @ 2,800 rpm with torque at 375 Nm @ 1,280 – 2,800 rpm.

Helping with driver retention and ease of use in urban settings, the 4JZ1 engine is mated to Isuzu’s impressive new 9-speed, MYR-9S dual-clutch automated manual transmission, whilst a 6-speed manual transmission option is also available. ​ ​ ​

The NKR comes in six model variations, covering a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) band of 4,500 kg to 6,500 kg and has a 4,000 kg towing capacity (at 4,500 kg GVM).

Being part of Isuzu’s MY25 range, the NKR also comes with a ‘street smart’ intelligent safety suite. Highlights include…

“From the cabin design to the myriad of active and passive safety systems, this model has been developed specially to allow for safe and efficient operation in high density locations,” Mr Pillai said.

“The car-like cabin interior and excellent visibility also translate to fewer blind spots and an overall enhanced and pleasurable driving experience.

“Coming direct form one of the world’s most densely populated countries in Japan, we’re extremely confident not only in the quality of this product, but in its pure applicability in helping solve some the emerging waste and refuse issues facing our major cities.” ​

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of diesel engine technology, Isuzu will also showcase its Isuzu Power Solutions (IPS) Generator Set offering with the 20kVA GS 020-PTY at the 2025 ReGen Expo.

Visit Isuzu Australia at stand C32 at ReGen Expo from 23-24 July 2025 at the Sydney International Convention Centre.