Arkansas Refuse Truck Drivers to Assist with Public Safety

In a move to enhance public safety, residents of Pulaski County, Arkansas, residents will now benefit from a Waste Watch program through WM, previously known as Waste Management. The program's implementation was jointly announced by representatives from the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, Little Rock Police Department, and Sherwood Police Department.

Trash collection is currently contracted to WM for a fee of $25.02 a month. This fee includes weekly garbage pickup and small and large yard waste as well as two bulk item pick ups and tire pick up a year.

The core of the WM Waste Watch training program lies with refuse drivers staying vigilant about their surroundings, alerting them to any unusual or suspicious activities. Once drivers spot something concerning, they establish a direct line of communication with local law enforcement, enabling quick response and action.

To ensure the program's effectiveness, WM's corporate security team trained local drivers in collaboration with members of the area's law enforcement. Nearly 60 WM employees received comprehensive training for the Waste Watch program.

“This program is another extension of how law enforcement, and the community can work together to keep our streets safe. Oftentimes drivers are working in our neighborhoods or business areas and may witness suspicious or unusual activity that needs to be reported,” said Pulaski County Sheriff Eric S. Higgins. “This program provides drivers with the necessary training and tools to safely report these activities immediately to law enforcement.”