Waste & Recycling Workers Week
Give a big thanks to the men and women who keep your community sanitary and hygienic on Garbage Man Day, or Waste & Recycling Workers Week.
Just imagine what the world would be like if you had to live without the services of your local, friendly garbage professional. There would be mountains of trash piled up outside every home and business. And it would stink!
Fortunately, there is a group of tenacious and dedicated people out there who periodically collect and dispose of your refuse.
Waste & Recycling Workers Week, therefore, is a chance for everyone to stop whatever they are doing and spend a little time appreciating the hard work of these diligent souls.
How to Celebrate Waste & Recycling Workers Week
This event celebrates all of the people in our society charged with keeping both you and the environment safe. What can you do as an individual to celebrate this special occasion?
Show You Care
First, you can show that you care about your local garbage professionals’ wellbeing. Members of the public often go about their business, oblivious to the hardships and dangers that waste disposal workers face.
But the fact of the matter is that many work long hours on public streets and highways, continuously exposed to the risks of passing traffic. Motorists, therefore, can observe Waste & Recycling Workers Week by slowing down as they pass workers.
Try Some Little Gestures
Garbage disposal is also physically demanding work, especially in hot weather. Some members of the public, therefore, like to provide waste disposal professionals with cold, fresh water to keep them hydrated on hot days. It’s a nice touch that can make a huge difference in how they feel.
Advocate for Safety
The rate of injury in the garbage collection industry is around ten times higher than it is across the rest of the economy. While it is the role of management to mitigate some of these risks, there’s a lot that the general public can do too to prevent harm.
Garbage collection professionals, for instance, are at high risk of injury from hazardous materials and sharps. Obviously, poisons, harsh chemicals, and biological waste require professional disposal. But even things like broken glass, needles, shards of metal can put workers at risk.
One of your activities in the run-up to Waste & Recycling Workers Week, therefore, could be to ensure that all your waste is safe for manual handling!
Say Thank You
Sometimes, though, the most straightforward methods for showing your appreciation are the best. Nothing says “job well done” better than a simple “thank you” note. You could even go up to your local waste disposal professional in person and let them know that you’re grateful for all the work that they do. It could be the only thanks they get all year.
This day only comes around once per year, so don’t waste it. If possible, try to avoid recycled gestures. Do something memorable—the more love you can dump on those who provide this essential service, the better.
Trashy jokes are always the best, aren’t they?
Learn About Waste & Recycling Workers Week
Sanitation professionals – also known as garbage men – are vital for functioning, hygienic civilization. But despite their daily toil, they don’t always get the appreciation they deserve for their work.
Waste & Recycling Workers Week seeks to address this injustice. It is an opportunity for regular people to appreciate the efforts and dedication of committed waste experts in their local community and across the globe.
People who collect waste from homes and businesses go by several names. But whatever you call them, it is hard to imagine life without them. Their job extends well beyond collecting your bags of trash and chucking them in the dumpster truck. They manage waste throughout the entire disposal process, from collections to recycling, to landfill.
Increasingly, they also play a role in local environmental support and conservation. With their help, cities can safely rid themselves of potentially dangerous and hazardous waste products and maintain public health.
History of Waste & Recycling Workers Week
This event is the brainchild of John D. Arwood, the owner of a specialist waste management and portable sanitation firm. He launched his business in 1997 and then used the internet as a way to expand it to multiple locations.
Arwood believes caring for all of the people in the community. Several years into his business venture, he realized that there was a lack of public recognition for the work that his waste disposal staff were doing.
Inspired, in 2011, Arwood personally funded the first Global Garbage Man Day, the original name. For Arwood, the joy is in seeing communities show their appreciation for these tireless souls who dedicate their days to removing trash from the streets.
Global Garbage Man Day was officially renamed Waste & Recycling Workers Week in 2019. The organizers give several reasons for this:
First, the industry encompasses more than just garbage collection. Those in the waste industry deal with issues as diverse as sanitation and land use. There is also an entire industry dedicated to providing recycling services.
Second, there are many thousands of men and women involved in waste and recycling efforts across the world. The organizers, therefore, felt that the new name would better represent that diversity and avoid any confusion. “Man” in the original context was an abbreviation of “human.” It was not gender-specific.
Waste & Recycling Workers Week has grown tremendously in popularity over the years. Companies, organizations, and communities from all over the world have become intimately involved in the campaign. Engagement has been so high that many believe that the event will continue to expand in size and scope in the years to come.
Ever the innovator, Arwood recently launched Space Waste Solutions to figure out how to deal with the growing problem of trash orbiting the Earth.
Waste & Recycling Workers Week FAQs
Why did ancient civilizations rely on innovative waste solutions?
Ancient Athens passed laws mandating waste disposal far from the city to prevent disease outbreaks.
In China, composting and recycling methods were used over 4,000 years ago. These early systems show that waste management was crucial even in ancient times.
What’s the connection between sanitation work and public health milestones?
During the Black Plague, England introduced “rakers” to clear waste and reduce disease.
This marked one of the first formal attempts to link waste management with health improvements. Such efforts laid the groundwork for modern sanitation systems.
How do developing nations celebrate sanitation workers?
In India, sanitation workers are honored during local festivals like Safai Mitra Suraksha.
Communities in Latin America organize events highlighting their contributions. These celebrations often include parades, meals, or gift-giving to show gratitude.
Why does Sweden import waste from other countries?
Sweden has a waste-to-energy program so advanced that it uses waste to generate electricity and heat.
With its own waste running low, the country imports trash from places like Norway. This unique system reduces landfill use and boosts energy production.
What are some of the rarest finds by garbage collectors?
Garbage collectors have stumbled upon treasures like Renaissance paintings and ancient artifacts.
In one case, a discarded lottery ticket turned out to be worth thousands of dollars. These discoveries add an unexpected twist to the job.
What’s one of the biggest misconceptions about garbage collection?
Many assume the job is simple and low-risk, but it’s one of the most dangerous professions.
Workers handle hazardous materials and operate heavy machinery daily. Their expertise keeps cities clean and safe, often underappreciated.
Did Benjamin Franklin have a role in early waste management?
Benjamin Franklin organized one of America’s first street cleaning services in Philadelphia.
His efforts aimed to reduce disease and improve urban cleanliness. This initiative became a model for future sanitation systems in the U.S.
How has modern technology transformed garbage collection?
Robotics and AI are now used in sorting facilities to identify recyclables more efficiently.
Automated garbage trucks reduce physical strain on workers. These advancements make waste management safer and more eco-friendly.
What unique waste practices exist in Japan?
In Japan, waste is sorted into as many as 45 categories to maximize recycling.
Residents follow strict guidelines, ensuring efficient disposal and minimal landfill use. This precision reflects respect for sanitation workers and the environment.
What inspired the invention of the garbage truck?
In the 1920s, the Garwood Load Packer introduced mechanical waste compression. This innovation sped up collection and reduced worker injuries.
It revolutionized waste management, making the process more efficient worldwide.
See what else is happening…
There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!
Also on ...
View all holidays
Fresh Veggies Day
Head to a farmer’s market, U-Pick veggie field, or even your own backyard garden and see what delicious and nutritious meals you can make with fresh veggies.
National Apple Strudel Day
Channel your inner Austrian foodie and try making your own Apple Strudel using apples, brown sugar, vanilla, lemon, cinnamon, flour, and raisins (optional).
National Go Fishing Day
Fly fishing, worm fishing, boating or wading…whatever your preference, get yourself up and out early to catch yourself the biggest fish you can.
Real Food Day
Nourish your body with fresh, whole foods that fuel your energy and leave you feeling satisfied, without the guilt and sluggishness of processed junk.
