I really appreciate our trash guys. They've picked up some big stuff from our house this year, and I'd like to give them a small tip of some sort this week when they come, but I have no idea how to get it to them. We put our trash cans/recycling (which are different workers and trucks) at the curb, and they come by at random times throughout the day. I don't want to tape it to the can in case they don't see it or someone else finds it before they do. I cannot think of any way to get them a tip other than sitting at the window all day and chasing them down the street waving an envelope! Anyone have a more creative way?
I like the idea of home baked goodies just because, you're right, I don't know for sure that these are the same guys as usual. However, whoever's guys they are, they still work hard in a job that I wouldn't want to do, and I'm thankful for their work! They come tomorrow, so I'll be baking today- fast! Wonder if Ziplocs are the best? Not too pretty, but clean!
ETA: We left cookies for them on the recycling bin and the trash can. We weren't home to see them get it, but when we got home, our cans were left outside our garage instead of thrown in the parkway like usual!
I suggest you send a card to the office addressed to the employee who picks up trash at your address.
I tape it to the garbage and they always get it. They even know who we are because they drove by us on our walk and thanked us. I feel bad though that I didn't tip the recycling guys. They come every other week...do you guys tip recycling people?
I don't know the answer to your specific question, but I wonder if you know for sure that the same guys come every time? I've noticed that different guys come from time to time. Hmm...
Dawn
Ours are awesome too. It was easy here because they come at exactly the same time every Tuesday morning. So my son walked out a gift to them...it was a holiday tin of chocolate covered toffee that I bought from my friend whose mom makes it...it's amazing stuff. Anyway I think they are SO appreciative to receive any gift and know that they do a really good job.
I would have felt comfortable leaving a very obvious gift bag or something next to the trash cans on the grass with a bold note on it that it is for "our collectors" or something like that. For cash, I agree, I wouldn't leave it on the cans...who knows if they will really get it. Yeah unfortunately you'll probably need to catch them for that gift. Sorry I'm not much help!
Often wondered about this myself. I think I like Lisa's idea. Good thing my trash people don't come until Thursday.... gives me a day to get to the store. :)
All I've heard is that people put out a case of beer for their garbagemen.
How about calling your department of public works and asking them?
My husband works for a disposal company. He's gotten baked goods, a mini-trash can (sealed from store) with peanuts inside, gift cards, and cash. Another idea, would be a cup of hot-cocoa if it's really cold. One of the things you can do is mail the tip to the disposal company, let them know how well of a job the driver does. Make sure you have your name and street somewhere with the tip so they can find the right driver! I actually work from home so I can catch our driver. Before my husband changed to this field I always took the trash guy for granted.
My little guys love the garbage truck! They run out when they hear the truck and stand on the porch and then start jumping and dancing when the arm lifts the trashcan in the air. The guys smile and wave, which rocks the kids' worlds. SO we got a cute tin platter and baked a bunch of cookies: peppermint swirl-chip cookies, and some homemade sugar cookies (angels and trees) and some homemade oatmeal raisins. We put several of each kind (enough to share among the guys on the truck, and maybe the people in the office or at their house) and arranged them nicely on the tray, covered it, and put a little bow on it. We took construction paper and I wrote a short message wishing them a Merry Christmas and that we appreciate the good job they do. Then Victor colored the blank side and Joseph wrote his name and drew a picture on it. Yesterday was trash day and when we heard the truck coming, the boys put on their Santa hats and stood on the driveway (I stood on the porch to watch) and the guys stopped and took it. Joseph said "Me and mommy made these, I hope you have a good Christmas" and they said "Wow! Thank you guys so much! Merry Christmas!", and the driver leaned down and took the tray into the truck and they waved and honked the horn for the boys. They jumped up and down and then ran to the porch all excited, to tell me about it. It was sweet. Joseph was like "Do you think we made their day happy?" and I said "Well, were they smiling, waving, and honking the horn? Looks like it to me!" We didn't exactly sit around waiting for them though. We had the platter and card sitting by the door and the kids were doing the alphabet puzzle and watching Curious George when we heard them coming down the road.
