Prince William County Celebrates Waste and Recycling Workers

Week of June 17 is National Waste and Recycling Workers Week

 

 The week of June 17 is National Waste and Recycling Workers Week. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors issued a proclamation on June 3, which recognizes the essential services these workers provide in our communities.

 

Fun fact Prince William County is credited by the founder of National Waste and Recycling Workers Week (formerly National Garbage Man Day), John Arwood, with issuing the first proclamation that recognized the day in 2014.   Waste Today, June 23, 2017

Prince William County residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to celebrate National Waste and Recycling Workers Week, June 15-21, 2025, and recognize the men and women that work daily to keep our communities and streets clean and safe.

On June 16 and 17, at the Landfill and Compost Facility, the Prince William County Solid Waste Division will show its appreciation to industry workers with a special treat, beverage and words of appreciation.   Residents that come to the facility will be given a “token of appreciation” to share with a Solid Waste staff member, or an employee of their waste and recycling collection company. 

The celebratory week for waste and recycling workers falls conveniently during National Safety Month. Waste collection is consistently rated among the top ten most dangerous jobs in the nation. According to a 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report; waste and recycling workers rank 7 out of 10 on the list of fatal job injuries.

One of the most important ways to honor the week is to help waste and recycling workers get home safely at the end of the day. All community members can do their part to ensure the safety of permitted haulers in Prince William County, as well as staff such as the Litter Crew by Slowing Down to Get Around. Residents can also help create a safe environment at the Landfill and Compost Facility by reviewing the Safety Guidelines before their visit.

Community members can also show their appreciation by organizing a household, neighborhood, or business event in which thank you signs are made, snacks are given out or simply waving and acknowledging the work the collectors are doing in the community.

When visiting the Landfill or Compost facilities community members can show their appreciation by sharing the special token they will receive with a staff member or simply wave and provide them with an air “high-five.”

What else can the community do?

Make sure all household trash is in a bag, and the bags are securely closed. Do not set trash bags outside the container. Follow size and weight limitations and preparation guidelines for regular trash, recycling, and yard waste.

Avoid putting hazardous materials, including batteries, hot ashes, and glass in the trash. Consider ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle things at home, school, and work. Save food scraps and other organics to bring to the compost facility.

 

In addition to collecting trash, the employees of the solid waste industry are also pioneers in advancing technologies such as recycling, renewable and sustainable energy, and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Match that with the clear impact on community cleanliness and hygiene; the modern-day waste and recycling worker deserves more than our garbage every week.

To learn more about National Waste and Recycling Workers Week and how to show your support, go to https://www.wasterecyclingworkersweek.org/. You can also send your celebration ideas and photos to [email protected].