SWANA Statement on BLS 2024 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries

February 19, 2026 — Silver Spring, MD

The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its 2024 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. The results showed that “refuse and recyclable materials collectors” had a drop in the fatality rate compared to previous years. The 2024 fatality rate was 37.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers (FTE), a decrease from the 2023 fatality rate of 41.4 per 100,000 FTE.  

“While this data release shows some improvements from the prior year, it is clear that we have a long way to go in improving worker safety. Waste and recyclable materials collectors perform vital work that safeguards public health and the environment, and their lives must never be the cost of doing that work,” stated SWANA CEO Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE.   

There was a total of 36 fatalities in this occupation in 2024, a drop from 41 fatalities in 2023. The BLS data shows that the occupation of refuse and recyclable materials collectors was ranked as the civilian occupation with the fifth highest fatality rate, an improvement from its status as fourth on the list in 2023. The 2024 rate is still higher than in previous years, considering the 2022 fatality rate of 22.6 per 100,000 FTE. 

Transportation incidents continue to be the primary cause of fatalities, accounting for 38.2 percent of all occupational fatalities in 2024. 

“A healthy ecosystem supports healthy communities,” continued Lestition Burke. “Our industry is indispensable, and we must collectively recommit to protecting the people who keep our communities running. Thank you to our many members and professionals throughout the industry who are dedicated to safety and working every day to make it safer.” 

On March 19, 2026, SWANA is hosting an in-person safety workshop in Washington, DC, that is open to anyone in our industry who may benefit from the interactive exercises on safety culture and presentations from OSHA and industry leaders. 

"Even one fatality is one too many," shared Kristyn Oldendorf, senior director of public policy and communications. "The release of the 2024 fatality data shows that waste and recycling collection remains a dangerous occupation. We urge everyone to recognize the value of this work and to take meaningful action to ensure these workers return home safely every day."

SWANA provides safety training, outreach, and resources, which include: the SWANA  Safety Pledge, SWANA’s weekly “Safety First” newsletter, the “Five to Stay Alive” guidelines, the Safety Ambassadors program, and safety programming at conferences and events like RCon™. These are resources for public and private solid waste operations of all sizes throughout the United States and Canada.  

For more information about SWANA’s safety initiatives and getting involved, please visit https://swana.org/initiatives/safety.