News & Updates

Remembering Dr. King’s Legacy | For Freedom and Peace

Those of us at Waste and Recycling Workers Week take this time to commemorate the history of Martin Luther King Jr., and the work that he did towards creating equality in America. We appreciate each and every one of you, and wish freedom and peace be yours. “Peace is not merely a distant goal that … Read more

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Be Safe Tuesday: Compounding the Dangers of Backing

Compounding the Dangers of Backing According to the National Safety Council, backing maneuvers are responsible for at least 25% of all vehicle accidents.  Waste & Recycling workers are exposed to backing vehicles on a regular basis on the collection route, in landfills and on tipping floors of MRF’s and Transfer Stations.  What are some factors … Read more

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St Petersburg’s Solid Waste

Nanci Calderwood 1940s women standing in front of St Petersburg, FL garbage trucks – vintage rppc postcard. The Sanitation Department services over 76,000 private household accounts. We use one-man fully automated trucks to pick up the provided alley or curbside containers. The city is divided into 31 residential routes that are serviced by the Department. … Read more

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Sanitation Workers: The First Line of Community Protection & Crime Prevention – Featured Article from johnarwood.com

Sanitation Workers Watching Out For Safety In a recent article posted on www.johnarwood.com, John Arwood’s personal website, he highlighted several ways sanitation workers could partner with local first responders and law enforcement to help protect their communities. As the safest communities have learned, partnerships between law enforcement officers and the public in crime prevention are … Read more

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Be Safe Tuesday: New Year, Safe Start

Take the opportunity to start the New Year with a plan to improve safety with yourself, your co-workers, and your company/organization.  Collecting, sorting, recycling and disposal of material takes a lot of planning, coordination and work.  Working safely is a decision and takes a deliberate plan.  In order for safety to become fully integrated into … Read more

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SLOW DOWN TO GET AROUND

SLOW DOWN TO GET AROUND Be safe around garbage trucks. Being struck by motorists is a leading cause of death for waste and recycling collection employees. When you see a truck on route and your garbage man or woman hard at work, remember to Slow Down To Get Around. This is state law in Alabama, … Read more

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New Sponsor – Environmental Recycling & Disposal Service

Welcome to our newest Waste and Recycling Workers Week sponsor, Environmental Recycling & Disposal Service! Learn More About Our Sponsors!

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Be Safe Tuesday: People In Dumpsters

Miraculously, a California man recently survived two compaction cycles after being dumped into a front load garbage truck.  While this incident did not end tragically, numerous others have.  Preventing people from gaining access to a dumpster is difficult, and hearing them over the noise generated by the truck is equally challenging.  However, drivers and helpers … Read more

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Be Safe Tuesday: Holiday Waste Collection Safety

  There are many factors that can make this time of year more dangerous for the waste collection worker. Waste Collection schedules are shortened due to Christmas and the New Year’s Day falling weekdays leading to a rushed working pace. Complexity of the Work Environment. Hurried Pace. Bad Weather. Stress. Your mind is not focused … Read more

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3 Ways to Appreciate Your Garbage Man During the Holidays

The Holidays are a busy time for everyone and it can be easy to overlook those who serve us year round. Always prepared, consistently there, in heat or snow, your Garbage Workers make it their job (literally) to dispose of your disposables. Why not show your appreciation to them this season? 1. Give a Gift … Read more

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