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PRESS RELEASE
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With School in Session, "Garbage Gus" Tells Kids to be Safe
SPRINGFIELD, MO, January 31,2007
- With the assistance of Allied Waste Services of Springfield - Oazrks, "Garbage Gus" a cartoon character created
especially for school age children has been making the rounds of local elementary schools. His message? "Safety," says Garry Mosier, Allied Waste's
Corporate Safety Director. "Kids are attracted to garbage trucks and we are trying to educate as many of them as possible about the dangers of
getting too close."
Each year a number of children get injured by playing too close to big trucks, including garbage trucks. "Children
like to see our trucks and get close to them," says Moisier. "It's a natural reaction. They like to ride their bikes or roller blades or scooters
near them or stand next to them and watch them operate. We think it's great that kids are interested in our trucks, but we want to keep that interest
at a safe distance."
Garbage Gus comes with his own video for children to watch and a coloring book for the kids to color. Garbage Gus
posters are also made available to schools, as are high-visibility safety vests for school crossing guards to wear.
"Our drivers are always focused on the safety of the community's children, " says Kurt Bodendorfer, General Manager.
"Even with the safety cameras on our trucks, it is still difficult for our drivers to see behind them or to either side. We want our area
children to know this and help in our safety efforts."
What are some of the things Garbage Gus tells Kids? He says in part, "Garbage trucks are huge like whales! They are
wide, very tall and super heavy. In fact, I weigh more than a dinosaur myself. Since garbage trucks are so big it is hard for us to see you if you
get too close to us. In fact we can't even see our own tires - that would be like you are not being able to see your own feet! But it is true, so if
you get too close to my big body, I can't see you either! And if I can't see you, I might accidently knock you down and boy would that hurt! That
would make me very sad and you too. So, please remember to always stay at least 15 giant steps away from me and my garbage truck pals who work
with me. That way you can see how powerful I am and I can see your smiling face."
The Company is delivering the Garbage Gus package of materials via garbage truck. The team has been visiting local elementary
schools and letting students get a close view on just how big these trucks really are. "It's been great for the kids and for our drivers," says Kurt Bodendorfer.
"If we avoid just one accident, it will be well worth it."
For more information about Garbage Gus, or to have him come to your school, contact Shilo Smith at
(417) 865-1717.
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