Man explains why it is important to tip the garbage collectors: 'I got a little tip for you'

In our fast-paced world, where we often take everyday services that keep our lives running smoothly for granted, it's easy to overlook the unsung heroes who make it all possible. Take garbage collectors, for example—workers whose efforts often go unnoticed until the trash piles up at our homes. Taking a moment to appreciate and tip those who serve us is crucial. Acknowledging their vital role in our communities is key to making them feel valued. A powerful reminder about the importance of showing gratitude went viral when a man, known as @nattydad1 on TikTok, shared a video on the platform.

He urged people to tip their sanitation workers, emphasizing why this simple gesture matters. "I got a little tip for you. If you give your garbage man a Christmas card with money in it, he will throw anything away," the man said. The now-viral video sparked widespread discussions on social media, with many reacting to his message. The content creator's call serves as a reminder that a little gratitude—and a tip—can turn your trash collector into your holiday hero!

For instance, @randydavis7961 wrote, "I drove for waste management for three years and I used to make bank for Christmas. One guy I worked with bought some cheap little Christmas cards and gave them to all his customers and that year, he got $900 cash and about $700 in gift cards." @nothingtoseehere7701 commented, "I have never had an issue. Put out an entire sectional sofa with a hideaway bed. Gone like a fart in the wind." @xii.vii.mmxix added, "Listen, my garbage man got a gift card. And let me tell you, my trash can was the only one standing up." @princesspenelope66 wrote, "I didn't know this was a thing. Our guys don't get out of the truck, the truck lifts the container and puts it back."

On a related note, @my1100 said, "Truth! I used to bring a bunch of stuff loaded in my pickup truck from the job site and they would take it all and never say a word." @teekae wrote, "My garbage man shattered some glass in our driveway two weeks ago, didn't clean it up, then put out a card the next week asking for money. Like, bro." On the other hand, @wakemewhenseptemberends shared, "My garbage guy got promoted but still takes care of us. He replaced our broken can and gave us unlimited pickup instead of one can a week. I tipped him routinely and made conversation. He's a good dude."

Meanwhile, in another story, a woman named Kaidi Dey (@kaididey) raised questions about the holiday tipping tradition for sanitation workers in a TikTok video. After receiving a thoughtful card from her garbage collectors with holiday wishes and signatures, she wondered if tipping them was expected. While she acknowledged that tipping is common for services like haircuts or massages, she found the idea of tipping sanitation workers a bit puzzling. Curious about the norm, she asked her followers, "What's the going rate?" Although she rarely sees the workers, as they come early in the morning, she sought feedback on whether to tip and how much, sparking a conversation online.

You can follow @nattydad1 on TikTok for more lifestyle content.