Iowa waste workers hold conference on Slow Down to Get Around legislation

April 20, 2017, new legislation was signed into law in Iowa designed to protect workers in the waste and recycling industry. HF314, the state’s version of the Slow Down to Get Around law requires motorists to slow down or move out of their way or face penalties. Iowa is one of sixteen states to enact this legislation, which is designed to protect waste and recycling workers. The Iowa Chapter of the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) took the critical steps to develop this legislation and achieve its support in the Iowa legislature.

The law goes into effect July 1, 2017, and requires motorists to slow down, safely change lanes if possible and operate with due caution around waste and recycling trucks when safety lights are flashing, similar to cautions motorists must now exercise when traveling through a construction work zone or when passing a stopped public safety vehicle. Slow Down to Get Around is a nationwide campaign by NWRA and its state chapters.

Drivers representing Waste Management, Midwest Sanitation and Phoenix Renewable Resources will share their personal experiences at 11 a.m. June 7 at the Des Moines, Iowa, Waste Management facility. They will be available for interviews following the conference.

Speakers include Rick Grochowski, Waste Management of Iowa Inc. area safety manager; Mark Lowe, director of transportation, state of Iowa; Lyle Vander Meiden, CEO Midwest Sanitation in Pella, Iowa; and Tony Colosimo, CEO, Phoenix Renewable Resources and member of the NWRA board of trustees. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has been invited to the event.