Tragedy can result when individuals climb into waste dumpsters

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, November 4, 2020

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Given the recent cooler temperatures, Waste Management reminds the community that waste containers should not be used as shelter from winter conditions.

Waste Management makes safety a priority when handling community waste. Although people may look at a waste container as providing options for more than just the disposal of trash, waste containers are pieces of heavy industrial equipment, serviced by heavy collection trucks with hydraulic crushing equipment. Tragedy can result when people climb into waste containers. If a person is inside a dumpster when it is emptied into a trash truck, there is significant risk of injury or death.

“Waste Management requests that the community please stay out of waste containers, for your safety, and for the safety of our drivers,” said Tony Franco, area safety director. “We understand individuals may go to great lengths to seek cover from inclement weather. However, if someone is inside a waste container when it is emptied, there is a significant risk of injury or death. By working with our customers and exercising additional vigilance, we hope to reduce this risk.”

Waste Management requests that all individuals please stay out of waste dumpsters, for their safety, and for the safety of our drivers and helpers. This way, together, unintended mishaps can be avoided.

 

Waste Management is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com.