WACO, TX — This week is National Garbage Man Week, and many people are taking the time to show their appreciation to the solid waste collectors who keep the neighborhoods clean.
Without them, trash would pile up at homes, and the home, or business-owner, would have to take it to the landfill themselves. A task which could be dreaded by many.
The days are long and early, and usually start around 6 a.m. until 6 or 7 p.m. In Waco, there are about 1,000 residents and cans a day that need to be picked up.
"Every house, every week, they're kinda like that quiet little bird and all of a sudden your trash disappears. You make the trash we make it disappear," Solid Waste Safety and Training Coordinator Jason Embry said.
It's great to get your kids involved this week, as well, and have them make a thank you card, or bring out an ice cold bottle of water.
Even a simple thank you goes a long way.
The Solid Waste Association of North America advocates their "slow down to get around" campaign.
It's a national safety campaign reminding motorists to drive more carefully when people are near waste and recycling collection vehicles. Being struck by a motorist is a leading cause of death for employees operating the collection vehicles.
With proper awareness, injury is preventable.
Also, many cities remind people to be aware of how full their bins are before putting them out on the curb. If the garbage bin is overflowing, and the lid cannot properly close, it's possible that debris can fly out and litter the neighborhood.
They want you to make sure you are also filling your bin with bagged trash, and make sure to tie the bag. This also ensures your neighborhood stays litter-free.
According to Recycle Across America, you can always recycle all emptied metal food and beverage cans, all emptied plastic bottles and jugs and all clean office paper, newspaper and clean and flattened cardboard.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is that there can be no food residue on the things being recycled. You can also never recycle plastic bags, plastic wrap, plastic cups, straws or Styrofoam.
For more ways to show your appreciation visit the National Garbage Man Day website.
For more tips on how and what to recycle visit this link.
