Across America, the folks who haul away our trash and recyclables keep our cities clean—yet until recently, they rarely received the spotlight they deserve. Thanks to John D. Arwood, a Jacksonville-born trailblazer, that’s changing.
From Scrap Collector to Industry Innovator
John Arwood—a lifelong “garbage man” and founder of Arwood Site Services and JDA Companies—started out alongside his father collecting scrap metal and glass in Jacksonville. That early hustle blossomed into successful businesses in demolition, recycling, portable sanitation, and aggregate services across the U.S.
His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. In the mid-1990s, Arwood launched one of the industry’s first dumpster rental websites—ultimately forging a nationwide online brokerage that connected customers directly with local haulers
Waste & Recycling Workers Week: A Movement for Appreciation
In 2012, Arwood founded Waste & Recycling Workers Week (originally National/Global Garbage Man Day), scheduled annually around June 17. His goal? Shine a nationwide spotlight on the essential—but often overlooked—trash collectors, street cleaners, sewer maintenance teams, and recycling crews
Since then, the celebration has gained remarkable traction:
- More than 5,000 proclamations from mayors and governors across the country marked this year’s week—underscoring the broad regional and national recognition .
- Just this June 17–20, Georgia’s Savannah mayor officially proclaimed National Waste & Recycling Workers Week
- The South Carolina legislature passed House Bill 358, marking their statewide support .
Major Industry Support: Casella Waste’s Nasdaq Bell Ringing
This year’s celebration received a major boost when Casella Waste Systems, one of the largest national waste haulers, rang the Nasdaq bell on June 17—the kickoff of the week—in a powerful display of solidarity and respect for their workforce
John Arwood personally acknowledged Casella’s commitment:
“John Casella and his team have shown remarkable support for their employees and the communities they serve… their commitment is a shining example for our industry.”
- Visibility for essential workers: Overlooked heroes—from curbside collectors to sanitation engineers—gain well-earned recognition.
- Industry unity: Local businesses, mayors, governors, and national corporations are aligning in appreciation.
- Raising community awareness: Celebrations prompt public gratitude—rightly spotlighting the backbone of public health and city cleanliness.
What began as a grassroots idea in Jacksonville—celebrating sanitation workers—has grown into a nationwide week of appreciation. Whether through mayoral proclamations, national legislation, or a Nasdaq bell ringing, John Arwood’s vision underscores a simple truth: garbage and recycling workers keep our communities healthy and functioning.
So this week, thank your local collectors. A wave, a tip—or even just a friendly “thank you”—goes a long way.
