On April 28, observing National Workers鈥� Memorial Day, NWRA urged all Americans to take a moment to honor the men and women who work tirelessly to manage the nation鈥檚 waste and recyclables, ensuring cleaner, more sustainable communities. NWRA is committed to advancing worker safety and honoring those who have lost their lives while serving their communities. Worker safety remains a core priority for NWRA, and this day of remembrance reinforces the Association鈥檚 ongoing commitment to improving industry standards and reducing workplace risks.
“As we recognize National Workers鈥� Memorial Day, let us reflect on and honor the hard work and dedication of the waste and recycling industry鈥檚 workforce,” said Michael E. Hoffman, NWRA president and CEO. “NWRA has long championed initiatives aimed at protecting waste and recycling workers. Through groundbreaking research, access to comprehensive training programs, and advocacy for stronger safety regulations, NWRA strives to create safer working environments and prevent future tragedies.鈥�
A cornerstone of NWRA鈥檚 safety efforts is collaboration with organizations that share a commitment to protecting workers. NWRA partners with Together for Safer Roads on its FOCUS on Fleet Safety program and supports the National Propane Gas Association鈥檚 ACE Services Entry-Level Driver Training Program.
Additionally, NWRA works closely with industry groups such as ReMA and SWANA to develop educational materials on critical topics including:
- Fire prevention at material recovery facilities (MRFs)
- Lithium-ion battery safety and proper disposal
- Preventing “struck-by” fatalities caused by distracted driving near waste collection crews
- These initiatives provide vital tools and training that elevate safety practices across the entire industry.
NWRA actively engages policymakers and regulatory agencies to advocate for reforms that prioritize worker protection. The Association champions public awareness campaigns like “Slow Down to Get Around” and the U.S. Department of Transportation鈥檚 “Put the Phone Away or Pay” initiative, both aimed at reducing distracted driving incidents that endanger waste collection workers.
NWRA also supports legislation that strengthens the identification and proper handling of electronic waste and lithium-ion batteries鈥攈azards that increasingly threaten worker safety when improperly discarded in waste streams. NWRA encourages everyone this Memorial Day to reflect on the vital contributions of waste and recycling workers鈥攁nd to join in the ongoing effort to protect and support them.