Refuse and recyclable materials collection is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. According to the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), there were 55 fatalities in the waste and recycling industry in 2022, a decrease from 58 in 2021. The leading cause of death was transportation incidents, followed by mechanical incidents and third-party incidents.
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- Transportation incidents: This category includes fatalities caused by being struck by a vehicle, falling from a vehicle, or being involved in a traffic collision. In 2022, 32 waste and recycling workers were killed in transportation incidents.
- Mechanical incidents: This category includes fatalities caused by operating or being exposed to dangerous machinery. In 2022, 15 waste and recycling workers were killed in mechanical incidents.
- Third-party incidents: This category includes fatalities caused by the actions of another person, such as being struck by a thrown object or being assaulted. In 2022, 8 waste and recycling workers were killed in third-party incidents.
It is important to note that these numbers only represent fatalities. There are many other waste and recycling workers who are injured each year, but not killed. The overall injury rate for this occupation is high, and it is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States.
