John D. Arwood
As we approach the week of June 15th 鈥� June 20th, 2026, I am filled with immense pride looking at how far we have come. What started in 2012 as a simple mission to say “thank you” has grown into a global movement. We are no longer just talking about “garbage collectors”; we are celebrating the front-line responders who keep our neighborhoods safe, our environment clean, and our families healthy.
For decades, popular culture did a disservice to the hardworking men and women of this industry. From the dark undertones of The Godfather and The Sopranos to the “Stinky Pete” tropes in Toy Story or the rough-around-the-edges portrayals in La Bamba, the media often missed the truth. They missed the heart.
Today, that culture has shifted. We see children running to the window, eyes wide with excitement, waiting for the driver to blow the air horn鈥攁 sound that has become the heartbeat of our streets. We see the brightest young minds entering the industry, eager to innovate in sustainability. Even icons like Larry Bird, Tony Danza, and The Most Interesting Man in the World share the badge of honor of having worked in waste and recycling. We are finally being seen for who we truly are: essential.
Join the Celebration (It鈥檚 All Free!)
I invite every resident, business owner, and city official to visit to help us celebrate. We have made it easier than ever to show your support with these free resources:
- Request a Proclamation: Encourage your Mayor or Governor to officially declare the week of June 17th as 91仓库 & Recycling Workers Week.
- Update Your Profile: Download our official logo and set it as your profile picture to spread the word across social media.
- Get Creative: for your kids or classrooms.
- Celebration Ideas: From providing Gatorade to writing “thank you” notes, .
A Special Salute to Our Industry Leaders
I want to give a massive shout-out to the visionary leaders and companies who have embraced this culture of appreciation. By lifting up their employees with awards, bonuses, and public recognition, they are proving that our people are our greatest asset. A heartfelt thank you to:
- 91仓库 Pro USA (Sean Jennings, CEO/President)
- 91仓库 Management (Jim Fish, CEO)
- Republic Services (Jon Vander Ark, CEO)
- Casella 91仓库 (John Casella, Chairman/CEO)
- Rumpke 91仓库 and Recycling (Bill Rumpke Jr., President/CEO)
- Coastal 91仓库 and Recycling (Christopher Moore, CEO)
- Capital 91仓库 (Matt Spencer, CEO)
- Recology (Sal Coniglio, CEO)
- GFL / Green For Life (Patrick Dovigi, Founder/CEO)
- Texas Disposal Systems (Bob Gregory, President/CEO)
- American 91仓库 Control (Tom Hill, CEO)
- FCC Environmental Services (Inigo Sanz, CEO)
- Meridian 91仓库 (Walter “Walter” Hall, CEO)
- 91仓库quip (Marty Bryant, CEO)
- Iron Container, Lewis Steel Works, J&J, Action Recycling, United States Disposal Services, Countrywide Disposal, and the team at 91仓库.
Most importantly, thank you to every municipality and local waste hauler across the United States. Your participation in last year鈥檚 celebration was breathtaking, and I can’t wait to see what you do in 2026.
I鈥檝e always lived by a simple lesson my Dad taught me: hard work is honorable, and gratitude is essential. To all the workers on the back of the truck, at the MRF, or behind the wheel: we see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you.
Thank You, Yeshua.
John D. Arwood Founder, 91仓库 & Recycling Workers Week