With Christmas fast approaching and many Aussie workers clocking off for a well-earned break, there are many among us still working, and garbage collectors are no exception.
A heartwarming tradition continues to sprout up across Aussie streets to acknowledge garbos and the often thankless work they do throughout the year and during the festive season.
Each year, bin workers find gifts or notes of thanks on top of or beside bins while doing their rounds and, in true Aussie fashion, a show of appreciation often involves a six-pack of beer.
While the generous offerings are very much appreciated, Aussies are being urged to refrain from leaving beers for workers as most waste companies have regulations in place that mean drivers can’t accept alcohol.
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Aussies are urged to make a small change if they participate in a kind-hearted bin tradition. Source: Facebook
“The days of a six-pack being left on top of the bin are for the most part gone. The most common thank-you presents these days are gift cards and scratchies for our drivers,” a spokesperson from waste management giant Veolia told Yahoo News.
“Yet the most memorable gifts are often the simplest and heartfelt.
“Drivers frequently receive handmade cards from children, complete with colourful drawings of rubbish trucks, loaders, and recycling vehicles. These cards are usually delivered with great excitement, and many operators keep them pinned up in depots or inside truck cabins as daily reminders of why their work matters.
“Our teams really appreciate these gestures; however, a big wave from excited kids in their pyjamas on Christmas morning makes our crews just as happy.”
The act of generosity is particularly poignant as many Aussies have admitted they are feeling the pinch this Christmas as the cost-of-living continues to bite.
Research released by Money.com.au last month indicates that 37 per cent of Aussies plan to cut back on Christmas costs to stay on top of their home loans, highlighting just how far household budgets have been squeezed.
A further 10 per cent expect to lean on credit cards or buy-now pay-later schemes to get through December, so experts are urging a considered approach towards gift-giving this year.
A garbage collection company says drivers cannot accept beer and are happy with a wave from little kids. Source: TikTok/Facebook
Aussies warned of waste truck ‘blindspots’ during festive season
With families gathering more often over the festive season, Veolia urged Aussies to be extra careful while walking near or around moving vehicles in crowded residential streets — especially near waste trucks.
“One thing we always like to remind people of at this time of year is to be extra vigilant around moving vehicles as there can be blind spots,” the spokesperson said.
“We want everyone to have a safe holiday period.”
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