Technology & Clean Fuel · Tampa, FL
Practical Paths To Cleaner Operations
We're not here to push the latest trend. We're here to help you understand what actually works for your routes. Diesel remains the backbone of RDK's fleet — proven, dependable, and backed by our parts and service. CNG is established. EV is watching the market. 2027 emissions are on the horizon — and we're getting ready to train you on them.
Informed Customers Are The Best Partners.
How We Think About It
Our Approach To Clean Fuel
Refuse trucks run hard, on long routes, in real-world conditions. The right fuel and emissions decision for your fleet depends on what's actually available, what works for your routes, and what's coming next. We help customers think it through honestly — not chase trends.
Honest Assessment
Match the fuel type to your routes and your real-world constraints — not what looks good in a press release.
Real Economics
Total cost of ownership that includes the infrastructure realities you'll actually face — not just the sticker.
All-Brand Expertise
Service and parts knowledge across all major chassis and body brands — CNG-certified technicians on staff.
Ongoing Education
On-site classroom with training sessions throughout the year, covering body systems, emissions, and operator best practices.
The Backbone Of Our Fleet
Diesel: Proven Power, Backed By RDK
Before we talk about alternatives, let's be clear about what actually moves the work: diesel remains the backbone of RDK's fleet. It's the proven, dependable powertrain that runs the heaviest routes, in the toughest duty cycles, day in and day out.
Every diesel refuse truck we sell is backed by RDK's parts department, service bays, and emergency support. That's what makes diesel work for our customers — not just the engine, but the people and the parts behind it.
Proven Reliability
Decades of refinement and real-world performance. The platform fleet managers know how to plan, maintain, and budget around — with predictable uptime route after route.
Built For Real Duty Cycles
Heavy-duty torque for stop-and-go residential, commercial container, roll-off, and grapple work. The right tool for routes that don't stop — in the heat, the rain, and the long haul.
Backed By RDK Parts & Service
Diesel doesn't just work — it keeps working because RDK's parts team, service bays, and emergency support stand behind every truck we put on the road. Proven power is only as strong as the support behind it.
Beyond Diesel
Alternative Fuel & Powertrain Options
Diesel is our foundation. These are the alternatives we evaluate alongside it — what's proven today, what's still figuring itself out, and where RDK sits on each.
CNG
Compressed natural gas is the most established alternative fuel for refuse fleets right now. Lots of routes nationally are already running CNG, with the infrastructure to back it. If you're looking at a cleaner option that's deliverable today, this is where to start.
Electric
RDK is willing to embrace electric refuse trucks when two things line up: demand returns to a level that supports it, and charging and grid infrastructure can reliably power working fleets. We're not going to push EV onto routes where it won't actually run — but when the market and infrastructure align, we'll be ready.
Hybrid
Hybrid refuse trucks are an interesting middle ground that we're talking about with OEMs. They're not part of our current operations — but we're tracking how the market develops. If hybrid makes sense for Florida fleet operators, we'll be ready to embrace it too.
On The Horizon
Getting Ready For 2027 Emissions
The 2027 emissions standards will reshape the diesel side of the refuse truck industry. RDK has been actively studying the changes since they were announced — what they mean for new trucks, for existing fleets, and for the techs who have to keep these engines running.
What We're Waiting On
OEM Training Programs
We're waiting on the official OEM training programs for the new 2027 emissions engines. Once those release, we'll bring that same training into our on-site classroom and pass it on to our customers — so when the new trucks hit the road, you have technicians and operators who already know the systems.
Training Built Into The Sale
Our On-Site Training Classroom
RDK runs training classes each year in our on-site classroom — covering body systems, hydraulic diagnostics, emissions controls, and operator best practices. We do it because informed customers run trucks better and longer. They also become better partners over the life of the equipment.
Why We Invest In Training
Better Operators. Longer Truck Life. Stronger Partnerships.
When operators understand their equipment — what to look for, how to use it, when to call us — trucks last longer, downtime drops, and the relationship between fleet and dealer gets better over time. That's why we built the classroom and that's why we keep running classes year after year.
"Informed customers are the best partners."
Closer To Home
What We Do In Our Own Yard
We've focused our efficiency work on what's deliverable in our own operation right now — not on aspirational announcements.
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LED Lighting Conversion
All shop, office, and lot lighting replaced with high-efficiency LED — cutting lighting energy use significantly.
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Waste Reduction
Partnered with local recyclers to divert shop-generated waste — oil, metal, tires, batteries — from the landfill.
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Water Reclamation
Closed-loop wash-bay system reclaims and filters water used for truck prep — cutting fresh water consumption.
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Ongoing Technician Training
Continual investment in OEM and certification training for our shop team across the brands and systems we service.
Want To Talk It Through?
Let's Talk About Your Fleet's Options
CNG today, EV when the market and infrastructure align, hybrid if it makes sense, and 2027 emissions training as soon as it's ready — we'll walk you through where things stand and what matches your routes.