Global Garbage Man Day is celebrated on 17th June every year to recognise and acknowledge the hard work of sanitation workers all across the world. It was first coined in 1988 by Bob Gordon, a sanitation worker from New York City. Garbage collectors are among the most essential yet overlooked pillars of modern society. This Garbage Man Day, let’s take a deeper look into some of the lesser-known facts about them:
Protection from diseases – Proper waste disposal is a relatively recent innovation, born out of disease outbreaks like typhoid and cholera in the 19th century, when cities were clogged with waste due to poor management. Today, sanitation workers are among the most important professionals in preventing the spread of disease.
One of the most dangerous professions – Contrary to popular belief, garbage collection is ranked as one of the most dangerous jobs worldwide. People often dispose of sharp objects, chemicals, and medical waste irresponsibly — some of which can be fatal or cause lifelong health damage due to their biohazardous nature.
Protection of the environment – Waste collectors not only help keep our surroundings clean, but also ensure that waste is disposed of properly. By making sure it reaches designated facilities, they help protect land and water bodies from pollution and play a key role in recycling efforts.
A job that requires specialised knowledge – Many might think a garbage collector’s job is limited to physical labour, but that’s not true. Since they deal with different kinds of waste, they are trained to distinguish recyclable material from hazardous waste. This is crucial for the effectiveness of recycling programmes and for ensuring dangerous materials are handled safely.
