2024 BLS Data Signals Progress in Waste Collection Safety
New BLS data shows a slight decline in waste collection fatalities in 2024. But with the profession still ranked among the most dangerous in America, sustained focus on safety — including intelligent route planning — remains essential.
– 3 Min Read
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its 2024 fatal injury data earlier this year, and the BLS report revealed some improvement for the solid waste and recycling collection industry. Solid waste collection workers experienced a slight decline in fatalities and moved from the fourth to the fifth most dangerous job in America.
Any reduction in worker fatalities is positive news. But ranking fifth on the list of most dangerous occupations is still a sobering reminder of the many hazards sanitation workers face every day. For an industry built on public service, protecting the men and women in the truck must remain the top priority.
We believe safety must be integrated into daily operations, not treated as an afterthought. Intelligent route planning plays a critical role in reducing risk exposure. By designing routes that purposely limit dangerous maneuvers such as backing, U-turns, high-risk left turns, and unnecessary roadway crossings, companies and local government agencies can significantly reduce the risk of accidents before a truck ever leaves the yard.
Industry thought leader David Biderman, president of Biderman Consulting and former CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), said that sustained focus on safety is essential to driving long-term improvements. That sustained focus must include operational strategies that proactively reduce risk.
“Technology alone is not the solution, but it is a powerful enabler,” Biderman said. “When intelligent route planning is combined with driver coaching, telematics insights, compliance monitoring, and clear accountability standards, employers create a layered safety culture that protects workers and the communities they serve.”
The slight improvement reflected in the 2024 data is encouraging. But no one should be taking victory laps. The goal is not to move from fourth to fifth. The goal is to move out of the top ten entirely. The good news is that there have been relatively few collection worker fatalities so far in 2026, but there are more than seven months left in the year, and summertime often sees a spike in fatal incidents.
Progress requires commitment, collaboration, and continuous operational improvement. At RouteSmart, we remain committed to partnering with haulers and local governments to design safer routes, reduce unnecessary risk, and help make every collection day a safer one.
