David Biderman
As many readers are likely aware, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), collecting solid waste and recyclables is among the most dangerous occupations in the U.S. BLS data has consistently ranked solid waste collection employees in the top 10 for occupational fatalities for more than two decades. According to the most recent BLS data (for 2024), the solid waste collection industry currently has the fifth highest workplace fatality rate.
In July, I thought 2026 might be the one in which the industry gets off the “top 10” list. Although there has been a continued parade of incidents in which other motorists, bicyclists, and motorcyclists have been killed in collisions with solid waste collection vehicles, the number of collection worker deaths were remarkably few in the first half of 2026.
Unfortunately, over the past few months, there have been a series of tragic incidents in which a collection worker has died on the route, making it less likely the industry will escape the top 10 list when BLS releases the 2026 data next year. In August, and died. Sadly, it was his first day at work and his father was driving the truck. Also in August, had a road rage incident with another motorist, was involved in a shootout with someone in the other vehicle, and died from his wounds earlier in October. A few weeks ago, a was killed by his truck in a suburban cul de sac in Wake County, and while I was writing this article, I learned that an employee was killed early this morning in a collision with a pickup truck in South Carolina.
These horrific incidents highlight the various safety hazards that collection workers face each day.
I used most of these incidents and others in recent safety training meetings at solid waste companies, and the drivers and helpers in the room paid apt attention as I explained what occurred. Employers are urged to remind their collection employees that they face a wide variety of safety hazards, on the route and at disposal facilities, and need to be vigilant about complying with applicable safety rules (e.g., the ANSI Z245.1 standard) and company policies. With winter approaching and dark nights getting longer, a renewed focus on safety would be timely.
BLS will release the 2025 occupational census on workplace fatalities in December 2026. 91TV Advantage will be reviewing the data when it is released and promptly provide a summary and analysis.