Safety First

Waste and Recycling Workers Week is proud to support SWANA's Slow Down to Get Around (SDTGA) initiative. Slow Down to Get Around is a national safety campaign that aims to reduce the risk of accidents by reminding motorists to drive with extra caution in the vicinity of waste and recycling collection vehicles.

The leading cause of death for waste and recycling collection workers is car collisions but the risk extends far beyond that. Children often go outside to watch the garbage, recycling and yard waste collection trucks and greet the workers. These children and families are difficult or impossible to view when passing the truck.

When combined with reckless driving, excessive speed or a simple lack of caution while passing, this is a recipe for disaster. Let's work together to raise awareness and prevent tragedy.

Accidents Happen

Every year, there are approximately 6 million car accidents int he United States. Those accidents result in around 3 million injuries each year and more than 90 deaths every day. But it doesn’t have to be this way. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, “speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes,” and speeding accounted for 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2017. That percentage increases to around 40% when there is snow, slush … Read more

A Campaign to Save Lives

Slow Down to Get Around (SDTGA) is a national safety campaign to save lives. The campaign is gaining traction across the country with 25 states having passed SDTGA legislation requiring drivers to exercise caution and slow down when passing waste collection vehicles. Free Slow Down to Get Around Decals SWANA members can order up to 20 free Slow Down to Get Around decals. Larger SafetyFirst™ Prismatic Reflective decals by BrandArmor™ are also available for purchase. The larger decals are visible at … Read more

Safety Alert: Hurricane Safety and Site Preparations in Anticipation of Dorian – REPOST From Arwood Waste

REPOST FROM ARWOOD WASTE As Dorian finally moves away from the Bahamas, the heartbreaking job of assessing the damages and loss has begun. Meanwhile, communities along the Atlantic prepare for Dorian to skirt much of the East Coast. While there is nothing we can do to influence the path of the storm, we can do our best to prepare for it. In the coming days, it is essential everyone in Dorian’s path prepare for the worst, both at home and on … Read more

Save Lives with One Easy Choice

Slow Down to Get Around It sounds so simple, but many drivers fail to do it. When you’re driving behind a recycling or garbage truck performing curbside collection services, slow down. Leave a little extra space to accommodate frequent stops and slow down before passing. We understand drivers are often in a hurry. So many of us have too much to get done and never enough time to do it. But safety should always, always come first. Nothing is worth risking … Read more

Slow Down to Get Around

A Campaign to Save Lives Slow Down to Get Around (SDTGA) is SWANA’s national safety campaign. The campaign reminds motorists to drive more carefully when near waste and recycling collection vehicles. By slowing down, drivers protect themselves, the waste and recycling collection workers and other motorists. Being struck by a motor vehicle is a leading cause of death for waste and recycling collection employees. With proper awareness, these deaths are preventable. Slow Down, It’s the Law! Slow Down to Get Around … Read more