(Fayetteville, N.C.) – The first Waste and Recycling Workers Week is Monday, June 17 and the City of Fayetteville and the City’s Environmental Services Department are asking everyone, regardless of where they live or work, to thank their garbage man or woman on that day. Conceived by John D. Arwood, CEO of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Arwood Waste, Inc., the day is not just for garbage workers, but includes celebrating dumpster haulers, sewage workers, street cleaners and anyone who “does the dirty jobs that we would rather not do ourselves.”
City Environmental Services Director Jerry Dietzen agrees that waste collectors should be acknowledged for the tough work they do. Having a specific day to do so brings focus to the groups that would appreciate an extra pat on the back.
“We do get calls from residents who say their collectors are great or that a crew was very helpful to them, but it would be terrific if as many as possible could find a way to say thanks on Monday, June 17,” Dietzen said.
One of the ways the City will recognize its solid waste workers is by placing a large poster in the City Hall lobby so that citizens, visitors and employees can sign it during the week of Monday, June 10. The poster will then be placed on display at Environmental Services on Monday, June 17. In addition, a proclamation will be read at the City Council meeting on Monday, June 10, recognizing that day as Waste and Recycling Workers Week.
John Arwood has been working on this for months and has contacted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to get it officially recognized. He also reached out to Hallmark greeting card company, which agreed to test market Waste & Recycling Workers Week cards in selected markets.
“Whether it’s the people who empty your fast food grease traps or deliver your port-a-potties, these are the people who make our lives smell better,” Arwood said.
He started a website, garbagemanday.com, and a Facebook page to raise awareness for our garbage men and women who make cities and homes livable. Information about the history of sanitation can be found on the website, as well.
“So, take the time to say thanks to solid waste workers in your own way—go outside to say hello and thanks, tape a card or note on your cart or hand them a cold bottle of water,” Dietzen said.
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The City of Fayetteville, North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, national origin, religion, or disability in its employment opportunities, programs, services, or activities.
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