SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Solid waste collection workers in the United States experienced a rise in workplace injuries in 2024, while landfill worker injuries declined, according to annual data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The injury rate for solid waste collection workers increased to 5.0 total cases per 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, up from 4.3 in 2023 and 4.7 in 2022. In contrast, landfill workers recorded a lower injury rate of 2.8, compared with 3.1 the previous year. Material recovery facility (MRF) workers posted an injury rate of 5.8, notably higher than the 4.4 recorded in 2022, the last year BLS published comparable data.
While injuries rose, the total recordable illness rate among solid waste workers declined sharply to 5.8 per 100 FTE, down from a spike of 13.8 in 2023 and matching 2022 levels. However, landfill worker illness rates climbed significantly to 9.1 from 4.9.
Meanwhile, major waste companies reported mixed progress on safety goals. WM posted a slightly higher TRIR of 3.23 in 2024 but cut overall injuries by 6%, while Republic Services lowered its TRIR to 3.2, continuing steady improvement. Both aim to reach a TRIR of 2.0 or below by 2030.
BLS will release 2024 worker fatality statistics on February 19.
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