Waste Collection Workers Declared “Essential” by the Department of Homeland Security
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) in the US, filed comments with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s committee on its draft framework, “A Framework for Equitable Allocation of Vaccine for the Novel Coronavirus,” requesting the committee recognise members of the waste and recycling industry as high priorities to receive any potential COVID-19 vaccine.
NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith said:
“The waste and recycling industry is crucial for society to function while keeping additional disease at bay. During this global pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has classified our industry as ‘essential.’” He added: “Our workforce should be a high priority when it comes time to be vaccinated.”
The solid waste industry directly employs nearly 450,000 people as of mid-2020. It is estimated that the private sector waste and recycling industry accounts for more than one million jobs. Association members operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and can be found in most, if not all, U.S. congressional districts. Waste and recycling facilities number nearly 18,000 scattered throughout the U.S., mirroring population centres.
About NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other service providers.
For more information about NWRA, visit www.wasterecycling.org
