NWRA voices support for veterans’ education, job training programs

The National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, has sent a letter to Congress urging support for H.R. 2045, also known as the "Veterans' Education, Transition and Opportunity Prioritization Plan Act of 2019." The legislation would establish an office within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better manage educational and employment programs for veterans, the association says in a news release.

 "At a time when our industry is facing a shortage of commercial vehicle drivers, mechanics and welders, we urge Congress to pass H.R. 2045,” says NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith. “This legislation would strengthen the VA's education and job training programs and help alleviate the tight labor market in our industry.”

The private sector of the waste and recycling industry has a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) fleet of more than 100,000 waste, recycling and compost collection trucks. The industry has experienced a growing labor shortage over the past several years, particularly when it comes to hiring individuals with a CDL.

NWRA says driving for the waste and recycling industry would offer veterans rising wages, a five-day work week and set daily work schedules, as well as “being able to return home at the end of each day's shift.”