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 in June 2012 as National Garbage Man Day led to National Waste and Recycling Workers Week. The week-long celebration encourages communities, companies and organizations to show appreciation for their trash and recycling collectors’ critical contributions to public health.

Beyond simply 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. 

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

• 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 secure in bags.  
• 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. 

Learn more about the Prince William County Solid Waste Division and the important work to safeguard our community, and send your celebration ideas and photos to [email protected].