A system of indices for evaluating the efficiency of a utility machine is obtained on the basis of an integral index, which presents a specific reduced cost. The bases of the system of indices are such indices as energy intensity and material intensity. In addition, dependencies were developed for calculating the time of the garbage truck operating cycle, as an optimization criterion, and determining the main rational parameters of the garbage truck depending on operating conditions in the presence of an optimal target function. The choice of a rational solution is based on single-criteria optimization based on the analysis of one criterion - the duration of the garbage truck working cycle. The optimal mass of the container is determined by differentiating the duration of the cycle of the garbage truck to perform work operations based on the volumetric capacity of the container of the garbage truck.