NWRA partners with NSC to improve safety in waste and recycling

The board of trustees of the Arlington, Virginia-based National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has approved what it calls a “significant financial commitment” to form a partnership with the Chicago-based National Safety Council (NSC) to better understand the safety needs of the waste and recycling industry and develop resources aimed at making the industry safer.

“Meaningful progress in injury and fatality rates in the waste and recycling industry have remained elusive. NWRA is committed to safety in the industry, and we are making a major move with this partnership,” NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith says. “NSC has been a leader in workplace safety for more than a century. This partnership will help us find new and innovative ways to reduce injuries and fatalities. After an initial assessment of the industry, the program will focus on the development of world-class outreach and educational products that are desperately needed in the industry.”

All NSC safety products will be provided for free to any party in the industry including large and small companies and private and public entities, regardless of NWRA membership status, the association says.

“This partnership will enable us to better understand the unique safety challenges both large and small organizations face within the waste and recycling industry so we can bring forth tangible solutions to combat common risks workers face every day,” Lorraine Martin, NSC president and CEO, says. “Everyone deserves to go home safely at the end of their shift, and we commend the NWRA for taking this important step to make the industry safer."