The New York City Department of Sanitation and its nonprofit partner, the Sanitation Foundation, recently unveiled five new hand-painted Mack LR refuse vehicles during New York City’s Trucks of Art program.

The program challenges artists to beautify DSNY refuse vehicles using the 400 square feet of the trucks’ canvases to spotlight cleanliness, sustainability, and the 10,000 men and women who keep the city clean and safe.

“At the Sanitation Foundation, we believe every New Yorker has a role to play in caring for this city. Trucks of Art is a visible reminder of that shared responsibility, celebrating New York-based artists, local communities, and the DSNY workers who help care for our city every day,” said Caryl Englander, chairwoman of the Sanitation Foundation.

Five artists were chosen from more than 400 submissions by a committee comprised of the DSNY, Sanitation Foundation special guest Nick Heller (known online as NY Nico), and Emmy Award-winning host, producer, and author Andy Cohen.

Winning designs focused on themes of cleanliness, recycling, composting, and/or honoring the DSNY workforce.

Uniqueness, complexity, and flexibility in color palette were also considered since no paint colors could be guaranteed in advance. Each of these trucks will be sent to Sanitation garages to begin refuse collection in the five New York City boroughs.

“As part of New York’s Strongest, the workers of the DSNY helps keep New York City clean for its residents, which is no easy task considering each day 12,000 tons of garbage is collected,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Mack is proud that the Mack LR is able to help them accomplish this, and we’re also proud to sponsor Trucks of Art to help celebrate local artists, sustainability and the people who keep New York clean.”

The selected artists painted their trucks during seven days at DSNY’s Central Repair Shop in Maspeth in the borough of Queens.

Trucks of Art was also a zero-waste challenge, with artists using cans of New Yorkers' unwanted paints collected through Materials for the Arts and partners including Big Reuse and GreenSheen, a partner of PaintCare, a nonprofit that manages leftover paint.

Each of the winning artists received a stipend for their finished work, which was unveiled at an event May 19 at the North Plaza of Union Square.

“Department of Sanitation collection trucks perform a critical task, removing the 24 million pounds of material New York City residents set out every day,” said DSNY Commissioner Gregory Anderson. "At the same time, they are an integral part of New York City’s streetscape, and by commissioning local artists to turn these trucks into roving works of art, DSNY and the Sanitation Foundation are uplifting neighborhoods, showcasing local artistic talent and reminding New Yorkers to help us keep our city clean.”

The Mack LR is a versatile, low-entry Class 8 refuse vehicle. It is available in both diesel and electric models and is built for durability and driver comfort. The highly customizable cab features dual steering, stand-up driving, and six different door combinations. It can be upfitted with rear- and side-loader bodies.