Bureau of Labor: Fatality rate increased for waste collection in 2023

The fatality rate for refuse and recyclable materials collectors had a major increase in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. The data shows that the occupation of refuse and recyclable materials collectors was ranked as fourth deadliest job in 2023, jumping from seventh on the list in 2021 and 2022.

The 2023 fatality rate was 41.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, an increase from the 2022 rate of 22.6 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. A related solid waste collection category had 35 reported fatalities in 2023, up from 31 in 2022.

RELATED: Fatality rate for waste and recycling industry declines in 2022

Transportation incidents continue to be the primary cause of fatalities across all occupations, as well as for refuse and recyclable materials collectors.

“We are very disappointed to see the rise in fatalities in 2023,” says Amy Lestition Burke, executive director and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland. “This data reinforces the need for safety improvements. The individuals who collect waste and recycling are making communities livable and sustainable. We all have a role to play to protect these everyday heroes.”

The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries is a count of all fatalities resulting from workplace injuries occurring in the U.S. during the calendar year. The census uses a variety of state, federal and independent data sources to identify, verify and describe fatal work injuries.

BLS reported 5,283 total fatal work injuries in the U.S. during 2023 across all industries, which was a 3.7 percent decrease from 2022.