Based at the operator's Nottingham recovery facility, the 32-tonne Arocs 3236L arrived via the local branch of Mercedes dealer Mertrux.
It has a lifting and steering air-suspended rear axle, while its 10.7-litre straight-six engine delivers 360bhp and drives through a standard-fit PowerShift 3 automated transmission.
The 8x2 truck is a recent addition to the Arocs range and is claimed to be significantly more fuel-efficient than a traditional 8x4.
Wastecycle is hoping for an improvement of approximately half a mile per gallon which, at current prices, would equate to some £27,000 over five years.
The fact that the rear axle can be lifted when the vehicle is running light also allows the operator to save on tyre wear. And when deployed, the axle's turning function reduces scrub and improves manoeuvrability.
"We don't run to landfill so we don't need double-drive. Instead, we wanted a vehicle that was agile and economical to operate, and that meant an 8x2," states Wastecycle transport manager Andy Sharp.
"This fuel-efficient [truck] will enhance our company's carbon reduction credentials and has been well received by the drivers – access to some of our sites is quite tight so the rear-steer axle is proving very useful," he adds.
Wastecycle's latest eight-wheeler has b een fitted with Multilift's XR 24S.55 hook-loading equipment with the multicover sheeting system, and works with bin capacities up to 50 cubic yards.
In line with the company's aim of achieving the FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Silver and Gold standards (currently Bronze accredited), the vehicle has also been equipped with an armoury of safety systems to protect cyclists and other road-users, including forward- and rear-facing cameras, and proximity sensors.
Mertrux has also recently supplied Wastecycle with a new 6x2 Mercedes Econic with low-entry cab and Heil refuse body, and is currently processing orders for two more Arocs hook-loaders – a second identical 8x2 model, and an 8x4 – as well as three drawbar chassis, a 6x2 Actros roll-on roll-off and a pair of 18-tonne Arocs skip-loaders.
"[The Arocs] isa very solid, well-built product and the new automated transmission is a big improvement for our operation over a traditional manual gearbox," comments Sharp.
"Factor in the reliability that we've come to expect from Mercedes-Benz, and the excellent sales service and back-up from the team at Mertrux, Nottingham, and it all adds up to a great package."