Kind-hearted Aussies looking to show appreciation to their local garbage truck driver have been warned that upholding a Christmas tradition of leaving a six-pack of beer on top of the bin may actually have the opposite effect.
Generations of Aussies have passed down the touching trend and while rubbish collectors across the country say that the gesture is always appreciated, accepting alcohol is also a “grey area”.
The warning comes as a resident reminded others to leave a six-pack of beer for the garbage man this Christmas. “The garbage man brings a lot of joy to our household every Tuesday. They deserve it,” Mum Charlotte posted to social media — with the act dividing Aussies.
Popular online garbo Dylan weighed into the debate and told Yahoo News Australia that while leaving out a six-pack is “standard”, it may land garbos in hot water.
“It’s a grey area for sure,” he told Yahoo of the dwindling tradition. “Most companies, you’re not allowed to have alcohol on the premises let alone in your truck.”
A bin man has revealed exactly what garbo’s want for Christmas. Source: TikTok/Facebook
One Aussie said the move had been a tradition for generations. Source: Facebook.
Gift for garbage truck driver ‘never expected’
Dyl’s views were echoed by Tony Roderick, from Veolia, one of Australia’s largest waste management companies, who said that a gift is “never expected” but suggested a number of items residents could get instead of a six-pack.
“At this time of year our teams experience the generosity of the public with small tokens of thanks — home-baked goods like gingerbread, or a plate of food on Christmas Day are more commonly left out than the old days of a six-pack,” he told Yahoo.
“Our teams really appreciate these gestures, however a big wave from excited kids in their pyjamas on Christmas morning makes our crews just as happy,” he said.
While the recognition is always appreciated, Roderick issued a warning to anyone looking to get out and say hello.
“One thing we always like to remind people of at this time of year is to be extra vigilant around moving vehicles as there can be blind spots and we want everyone to have a safe holiday period,” he said.
What do garbos really want for Christmas?
Garbo Dyl told Yahoo that while any small gesture is always appreciated, there is one item more appreciated than anything else — cash.
“Some people choose to come out with cards that have a $20 or $50 note if you’re really lucky,” he said.
Last year, another NSW garbo, who spoke to Yahoo anonymously said that the six-pack is still “really appreciated”.
“I genuinely accept beers all the time — it’s not allowed but people still do it,” he said. “Especially the oldies. Usually closer to Christmas time people try to be generous, especially if it’s a specific truck that’s been doing the same area a long time.”
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