If you are an ecological professional tasked with collecting garbage, you are engaged in a heavy-duty profession. Most people don’t appreciate the importance of this profession or the daily hazards faced by these professionals.
The importance of this profession goes unnoticed until service is interrupted and then these men and women are among the most requested professionals in the area.
Sanitation engineers or waste management professionals, traditionally called garbage men deal with a multitude of debris, sharp and pointy objects, poisons, chemicals, rotting food, and much more.
So, it goes without saying that this profession requires great PPE and above all work boots that offer adequate and reliable protection.
There are hundreds of work boots for waste management in the marketplace. We went to the source and asked a squad of local garbage men to test the best work boots for us while engaging in collection activities.
Our top pick is the Muck Boot® Chore Wellington Safety Boots. These tall Wellington safety boots are an impressive option for sanitation professionals. They feature 100% synthetic uppers, rubber soles, and most importantly are 100% waterproof.
We also liked the Tingley 15-inch Cleated pilot Steel Toe Knee Boots as a reliable budget option.
There are over 100,000 waste management professionals in the United States which may appear like a lot, but if you consider the volume of trash that we produce, it’s not.
Out and about often before dawn, these professionals do one of the dirtiest jobs around and render our neighborhoods and lives better.
| Work Boots | Material | Stile | Safety | Insulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muck Boot® Chore Wellington | Neoprene, Vibram sole | Tall work boot | Steel shank | Yes |
| Bogs Forge Men’s Steel Toe Rubber Waterproof | 70% Rubber PVC | Calf boots | Steel toe | Yes |
| Honeywell Ademco PVC Blend | PVC | Calf boots | Steel toes | No |
| Tingley 15-inch Cleated pilot Steel Toe Knee Boot | PVC | Knee boots | Steel toe | No |
Our Favorite Best Work Boots for a Garbage Man
Best Overall Work Boots for Garbage Men
1.) Muck Boot® Chore Wellington Safety Boots
- Chore V-Wave outsole with SR Slip-resistance Compound offers improved traction on slippery surfaces, including steel and ceramic tile
- 100% waterproof work boots; Honeywell proprietary RDR compound is resistant to most oil-based fluids and other chemicals
- 5 mm neoprene provides comfort and flexibility, along with excellent waterproofing, shock absorption and heat retention properties; adjusts to your foot shape to resist blisters and chafing
- Breathable Airmesh lining wicks away humidity and perspiration, and allows air to travel throughout the boot; comfort rated from subfreezing to 65 °F/18 °C
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Footgear manufacturer Muck Boot® is renowned for its ample selection of boots. These Wellington safety boots are an impressive option for sanitation professionals. They feature 100% synthetic uppers attached to rubber soles and most importantly are 100% waterproof.
A rubber outsole is a slippage-resistant feature for surfaces that are slippery regardless of the causes. They will resist most oil-based fluids and other chemicals. Their performance is characterized by a strong grip.
The boot design offers exceptional ankle support and leg protection. The footbed has ample cushioning for increased comfort and the EVA midsole provides substantial shock absorption.
Boot uppers also resist abrasion. The Muck Boot comes with an Airmesh lining for breathability that will wick away perspiration.
Pros
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- 100% waterproof
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole
- soft toe
- ATSM rated
- Heat retention
- Shock absorption
- Loops for easy pull-on/off
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Cons
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- Rigid
- Somewhat heavy
- Boot shaft may pinch more developed leg calves
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Best Rubber Work Boots for Garbage Men
2.) Bogs Forge Men’s Steel Toe Rubber Waterproof Work Boots
- Pull-on work boot with logoed shaft and protective steel toe
- Chemical- and slip-resistant lugged outsole
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These rubber waterproof work boots are used in the field by oil industry workers, and they protect your feet even when you are ankle-high in water, mud, or solid waste for the very same reasons they work for oil workers.
The boot shaft is 14.25 inches in height from the top to the arch making them ideal calf-length boots. The boots are made from a blend of rubber and neoprene with rubber accounting for 70% of the boot construction.
A smaller neoprene component has been added. The outsoles are 100% rubber and anti-slip on all kinds of surfaces.
These work boots also have an inner bootie that is stretchy that increases breathability. The boot opening at the calf is a little roomier, so air ventilation is possible.
For safety purposes, these boots feature steel safety toe caps and also have a pull tag at the top to help with getting them on. Neo-tech insulation allows you to wear these in winter to keep your feet comfortable, dry, and warm.
Pros
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- 100% waterproof
- Comfortable lining
- Anti-slip
- Thermal insulating lining
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Cons
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- Pricey
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Best PVC Work Boots for Garbage Men
3.) Honeywell Ademco PVC Blend Work Boots
- PVC polyblend injection molded construction is seamless and 100% waterproof but flexible for greater comfort; resistant to degradation from agricultural chemicals, fertilizers and animal waste
- CT (Comfort Technology) offers a unique scalloped top-line for easy flexing; guide along shaft allows for customized height; reinforced at critical stress points for longer wear
- Recommended use: food processing, custodial, farm, general purpose
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These are a terrific, affordably priced pair of highly-rated work boots if you need to trudge through waste. The boots boast a unique design with a backward slope.
Both the boot uppers and the outsoles are made in PVC making them resistant to chemicals and incredibly durable. The boot upper and the outsole are welded together without seams so liquid cannot enter unless they are perforated or cut.
If you spend a lot of time on your feet, they are comfortable thanks to a contoured footbed that also gives lots of support in the ball of your feet and the heel. Like any waterproof pair of PVC work boots, breathability is limited.
Boots come with steel safety toe caps. The outsoles are thick with a bit of a higher heel and feature lugs for stability and traction. All of the stress points have extra reinforcement.
Deep cleats, a steel toe, and superior injection-molded construction make this an attractive budget-friendly option.
Pros
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- Great for trudging through muck and waste
- Steel toe protection
- Flexible for easy movement
- Lightweight at 0.8lbs.
- Budget-friendly
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Cons
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- Not true to size, they run large
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Best Knee-High Work Boots for Garbage Men
4.) Tingley 15-inch Pilot Knee Boot
- 15 inch height - Steel Toe.
- 100% waterproof protection.
- Steel toe meets ASTM F2413 M/I/75/C/75.
- Flexible upper material stays supple in cold temperatures to make walking easier.
- Tougher outsole material for good abrasion resistance.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Trumbull Industries produces the Tingley brand of PVC high-quality knee boots. This material is flexible and soft for comfort on the job.
Legs are well-protected from water, snow, mud, much, and waste and stress points are reinforced. Outsoles are also made in PVC and injection-molded construction is seamless for fantastic 100% waterproofing.
The design gives extra space for breathability, but if you find them to be too roomy, a pair of extra thick socks should resolve this. A steel toe protects from impact injury.
Outsoles are thick with heavy cleats and anti-slip. The soles are thick enough to be puncture-resistant. This is a budget-friendly affordable boot, with good safety features and is ideal for trudging through waste and liquids.
Pros
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- Tough outsole
- 100% waterproof
- Lined interior
- Knee-high
- Budget-friendly
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Cons
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- Limited color options
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What Is Waste Collection and Management?
As the name implies and as the BLS – Bureau of Labor Statistics refers, waste management is the collection, treatment, and eventual disposal of unwanted, discarded waste materials. As a profession, it includes several functions among which we find:
• Collection and transport locally of waste materials
• Solid waste management from commercial, industrial, and residential sites
• Grouping of materials for distribution to specific recycling facilities
• Cleaning of contaminated sites and properties, soil, water, etc.
• Septic pumping and other services
Working Conditions for a Waste Management Professional
A dangerous profession with numerous fatalities annually, it is not a profession for the faint of heart. These professionals, lift heavy objects and bags of trash as well as jump on and off moving garbage trucks. They also risk being hit by cars and have to deal with intolerable odors for their entire work shift.
Even with technological advancements in garbage collection, where systems are almost entirely automated, these sanitation engineers still deal with challenging environmental situations filled with spoiled food, broken appliances, and every imaginable type of discarded object.
Garbage men work principally outdoors, therefore these professionals are exposed to weather conditions whether rain, summer heat, snow, wind, hail, or other environmental conditions.
Garbage collection is a year-round activity and professionals face a multitude of weather conditions, terrain, and situations, so the correct PPE becomes essential.
Why Work Boots?
When you collect garbage, you may come into contact with sharp objects, toxic chemicals, liquids, and biologically hazardous substances. The proper footgear becomes a priority to protect your feet.
Is this Profession Dangerous?
This profession is considered among the most dangerous US professions. Garbage men are exposed to the hazards of fire, poisoning, and puncture wounds together with extreme weather conditions.
According to BLS statistics from 2019, illnesses and injuries for waste collection and recycling professionals amounted to 5.5 accidents every 100 employees during 2018.
Garbage collection incidents alone rose from 5.1 to 5.9. Injured employees complained of strains, sprains, and tears with an average loss of 13 workdays.
SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) together with the NWRA (National Waste and Recycling Association) reiterate increasing concerns about worker safety.
Among the hazards that waste management workers face include:
• Road safety due to distracted drivers, unsafe conditions, poor visibility
• Dangerous chemicals from chemical recycling, toxic and corrosive substances, medical and infectious waste, and radioactive materials
• Cuts and wounds due to sharp waste, syringes, needles, blades, etc.
Choosing the Best Boots for Garbage Collection
With so many work boots in the marketplace to select from, choosing the best ones for garbage collection can be challenging. We’ve done some research and testing for you. When looking for the best work boots for waste management, we considered the following.
1.) Materials
While leather uppers on work boots are exceptional and desirable, when it comes to waste management the proper footgear should preferably be manufactured in rubber, neoprene, PVC, or a blend of these materials.
2.) Comfort
Comfort is fundamental for any work boot especially if you are working all day long or even overtime. Some of these types of work boots will feature contoured footbeds and comfort linings. Others will ensure air ventilation despite being waterproof.
3.) Durability
Work boots that are suitable for garbage collection will usually be produced in PVC, rubber, or similar. While this type of material can be subject to cracking after considerable wear. As a result, some manufacturers will reinforce stress points to increase lifespan and durability.
4.) High Shaft
While a work boot that reaches your calf is reasonably good, a knee-high boot is preferable. Work boots with adjustable collars are optimal for garbage collection.
This type of boot can be clinched at the top which can help to prevent debris from entering inside the boot. A work boot shaft should ideally measure at least fourteen inches from the boot arch.
5.) Safety
Because garbage collection deals with debris, and heavy materials, work boots equipped with steel toes and perhaps metatarsal guards are a wise choice. Another desirable safety feature is lugged outsoles for efficacious traction on all kinds of terrain.
6.) Slip Resistance
Working in garbage collection exposes you to constant risks of slipping and falling on the job. Leaking liquids, as well as bad weather, can render surfaces slippery, so slip-resistant outsoles are crucial when navigating challenging working conditions.
7.) Waterproofing
One of the primary reasons you wear work boots during garbage collection is to prevent liquids from reaching your feet. Work boots for waste management should be 100% waterproof.
Conclusion
For sanitation professionals that walk all day on all types of surfaces, in all kinds of weather, and through waste, chemicals, muck, mud, water, snow, and all kinds of liquids and substances both toxic and non, good protective work boots are essential if not crucial to their safety and well-being on the job.
The marketplace offers many valid options, and we hope our four choices will get you started on the road to finding the best work boots for your professional needs.
