Beginning next year, National Garbage Man Day officially will be renamed Waste & Recycling Workers Week.

After partnering with Waste360, The Hauler Magazine, Waste Advantage Magazine, the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and others for ideas to rename National Garbage Man Day to make it more inclusive, the organization, created by John Arwood, CEO of Arwood Waste, has officially announced its name change.

“We are implementing this change now to give all our friends in the waste and recycling industry time to update their celebration materials in preparation of Waste & Recycling Workers Week 2020, which will take place June 14-20,” according to the organization.

Why the Name Change?

There are quite a few reasons for updating the name of the annual celebration. Here are a few of the biggest ones that influenced the naming process:

This is a weeklong celebration in recognition of those who keep the nation’s communities clean and safe. It started as one day, but National Garbage Man Day had become a weeklong celebration to allow everyone time to thank the workers who provided weekly curbside collection services.

“The industry is about more than garbage collection,” according to the organization. “We want to ensure we are including those who work in the entire waste and sanitation industries as well as those who provide recycling services.”

“There are thousands of amazing men and women in the waste and recycling industry, and we want to celebrate all of them,” the organization added. “‘Man’ was always intended as ‘human’ and not to be gender specific.”

What is Expected to Change?

Not a whole lot, according to the organization. The group intends to continue providing the same resources it always has. It has recently updated its badges, downloadable logos, online store and other resources throughout the website. Those who wish to request local officials issue a proclamation can find an updated downloadable template under the city resources section of the site.

“We have been so pleased to see this week of recognition grow and change over the years,” according to the organization. “In 2019, we saw even more companies, communities and organizations join in the celebration. We look forward to continuing that growth in the coming years as we recognize all the outstanding individuals in the waste and recycling industries. We hope you will join us June 14-20, 2020, as we celebrate Waste & Recycling Workers Week.”