Back-to-School Tips from Waste Management

Tips for Being Safe, Going Green this School Season

(Aug. 10, 2021) – Every year, schools produce millions of tons of waste that can either be recycled or reused, from paper to discarded cafeteria food. Waste Management would like to offer green tips for parents and students as they head back to school:

  • Reduce the trash created by disposable bags, sandwich bags and foil by packing lunches in washable, reusable lunchboxes, bags and containers.
  • Keep in mind that whole fruits and vegetables as snacks are healthier and better for the environment than packaged snacks.
  • Instead of purchasing individually wrapped snack-sized packages, buy the larger size and pack snacks in reusable containers to save money and the environment.
  • When buying new supplies, consider paper and notebooks made from recycled paper as these eco-friendly supply options are available at many large retailers.

In addition to keeping the above green tips in mind, Waste Management would like to remind the public that the communities our professional drivers serve depend on them to maintain a safe environment for students traveling to and from school. Unfortunately, there are two vehicles the average driver makes every attempt to get around: a school bus and a garbage truck. Both tend to slow traffic while performing necessary duties and are at risk of accidents if drivers are distracted.

“As we begin the new school year, Waste Management encourages drivers to take precautionary measures in order to keep our communities and students safe,” said Waste Management Gulf Coast Safety Manager Tony Franco. “Safety is one of our core values. Keeping everyone, including customers, drivers and those in our neighborhoods safe is top priority.”

Safety lessons are great reminders of the risks both drivers and pedestrians take every fall when school goes back to session. As a company sharing the same roadways with our community, it is our responsibility to promote safety not only to our drivers, but our customers as well. This fall, we would like to pass along driving tips to help promote a safe back-to-school season.

  • Keep a safe distance from the truck – at least 15 feet. Never climb on the truck.
  • Vehicles like Waste Management trucks make frequent stops and often back-up, so don’t follow the truck closely while walking, running, biking or skating. Stay alert and listen for the back-up alarm with “beep-beep-beep” sounds.
  • There are several areas where the visibility is restricted for the driver. If you cannot see the driver’s eyes, they most likely cannot see you.
  • It takes service vehicles about twice as long to stop as a passenger car. Always keep a safe distance from a truck.
  • Every Waste Management truck is equipped with a back-up alarm. If you hear this sound or see the white back-up lights, be sure to move out of the way of the truck.

Waste Management is dedicated to safety. The safety of our employees, customers and their communities remain a top priority. Please drive carefully now that school is back in session, and when you drive around garbage trucks, please offer them extra consideration. We want everyone to return home safely to their families.

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ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, 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.

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