Celebrate and recognize your trash collector June 17, National Garbage Man Day

June 17 is National Garbage Man Day.  Communities across the nation are encouraged to take a moment and show appreciation for the men and women in the solid waste management industry and particularly, their trash collectors, for keeping us and the environment safe.

Prince William County Solid Waste Division will recognize National Garbage Man Day with a focus on safety. All trash haulers that come to the Prince William County Landfill on June 17 and 18 will receive a note of thanks and a special treat that includes safety tips. June is also National Safety month and according to several sources these workers rank 6 out of 10 on the list of fatal job injuries, which makes safety an appropriate focus all the time. 

In addition to collecting trash and moving it from one place to another, solid waste industry employees are also pioneers in advancing technologies such as recycling, renewable and sustainable energy, and reduction of dependence on fossil fuels.

During the week of June 17, there are lots of ways that residents and businesses can also show support and appreciation for the people who do these dangerous, yet important jobs:
• Share a wrapped sweet treat or healthy snack
• Offer a cold bottle of water
• Give him or her a tip with a personal “thank you”
• Leave a thank you note
• Meet your collectors at the curb and help them lift your load to show your awareness of their efforts.
• Follow the guidelines for size and weight limitations and types of materials that are discarded in the regular trash. Do not put hazardous waste in the trash, properly dispose of it.
• Use more caution when putting harmful items in the trash such as glass or hot ashes.
• Consider ways you can reduce, reuse and recycle the things being thrown in the garbage from your own home or place of business.
• Give the landfill attendants a “high five.”

For more information about National Garbage Man Day, and how you can show your support, go to http://www.garbagemanday.org Send .your celebration ideas and photos to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for the County’s Facebook page.