Appreciating the People Who Keep Our City Clean: Waste Collector Appreciation Week

My home is only 50 steps away from two back alleys, so I always pass by people's garbage bins whether it is collection day or not. It reminded me that while people may take it for granted, waste collection is one of the most important services our city provides and it depends on the skill, strength, and reliability of the people who do this work every day.

From June 16 to 20, the City of Edmonton is recognizing Waste Collector Appreciation Week, and all residents are invited to join in. Whether it’s leaving a thank-you note on your bin, tagging the City in a social media post, or simply waving and saying thank you when you see someone working on your street, it’s a good time to show that we value their efforts.

Waste Management Is a Team Effort

Edmonton’s waste system is one of the largest coordinated programs that touches every household. The City is responsible for planning, pickup, processing, education, and enforcement. This includes managing:

• Weekly waste collection from homes and some apartments

• Sorting and processing of organic and non-organic waste

• Large item pickups and Eco Stations

• Drop-off centers and composting facilities

None of this would be possible without the hard work of front-line staff. They operate trucks through all weather, lift thousands of bins per day, and keep things running even through holidays, heat waves, and icy roads.

We can support them year-round by following the guidelines for sorting waste properly. That means keeping food scraps out of the garbage cart, placing recyclables loose in blue bags, and avoiding contamination in the green cart. These small actions make a big difference in reducing workplace hazards and improving environmental outcomes.

More information on proper sorting and city waste services is available at edmonton.ca/waste.

My Commitment to City Staff and Essential Services

Behind every bin that gets emptied is a real person doing physically demanding and often overlooked work. If I am elected to City Council, I will advocate for:

• Safe and fair working conditions for city staff across all departments

• Equipment and vehicle upgrades to make waste collection safer and more efficient

• Clear communication and public education so residents understand their role in reducing contamination and supporting the system

Edmonton should be a place where everyone, from the person planning recycling routes to the person hauling bins from early in the morning until late at night, feels valued for what they contribute to the city.

Got Ideas? Let’s Talk

One of the best parts of campaigning has been hearing ideas from residents on how city services can improve. If you have thoughts on how waste services can be better, more efficient, or more accessible, I want to hear from you.

Whether it’s about public education, better signage, or how we handle waste in apartments and multi-family buildings, your insights are important. We all generate waste. We all benefit from clean streets and smooth service. Let’s build a system that works for everyone: residents, workers, and the environment.

Let’s take a moment this week to say thank you to Edmonton’s waste collectors and commit to supporting them every day of the year.