Celebrate Waste and Recycling Workers

Prince William County residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to celebrate National Waste and Recycling Workers Week, June 11-17, and recognize the men and women that work daily to keep our communities and streets clean and safe.

What began as National Garbage Man Day recognition- June 17, 2012- became a National Waste and Recycling Workers Week celebration. A week gives communities, companies, and organizations more time to show appreciation for their trash and recycling collectors’ critical contributions to public health.

In addition to collecting trash, the employees of the solid waste industry are also pioneers in advancing technologies such as recycling, renewable and sustainable energy, and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Match that with the clear impact on community cleanliness and hygiene; the modern-day waste and recycling worker deserves more than our garbage every week.

National Safety Month is also in June. The goal of this National Safety Council designation is to increase awareness of the leading safety and health risks facing employees and decrease the risk for workplace injuries and deaths in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, waste and recycling workers rank 7 out of 10 on the list of fatal job injuries in 2021. The most common cause of death for these workers is being struck by a garbage truck or other vehicle, which makes safety an essential focus for Waste and Recycling Workers Week, too.

On June 15 and 16, the Prince William County Solid Waste Division will show its appreciation to industry workers with a special treat and a safety reminder message.

During the week of June 17, households and businesses are encouraged to recognize the solid waste industry members serving them. There are lots of ways to show support and appreciation for the people doing these dangerous and vital jobs:

• Safety First -slow down and pay extra attention when approaching or passing a collection vehicle.
• Follow the guidelines for size and weight limitations and types of materials discarded in the regular trash, recycling, and yard waste bins.
• Make sure all household trash is in a bag, and bags are securely closed.
• Do not set trash bags outside the cart.
• Do not put hazardous materials, including batteries, in the trash.
• Use caution when putting harmful items in the trash, such as glass or hot ashes.
• Consider ways to reduce, reuse and recycle things at home, school and work instead of throwing them in the garbage.
• Wave to your collector (keep six feet distance) to show your awareness and appreciation of their efforts.
• Express thanks and appreciation with a chalk drawing on the sidewalk or driveway, a cardboard sign, or a banner taped to your trash cart/can.
• Leave a snack or bottle of water for your collection crew.
• Give the landfill and compost facility attendants an air “high five.”

Many of these suggestions are appropriate to practice year-round.

To learn more about National Waste and Recycling Workers Week and how to show your support, go to https://www.wasterecyclingworkersweek.org/. You can also send your celebration ideas and photos to [email protected].