Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it is 3 guys, we give them $20 bucks each. Mail lady too.


(Yes, I am from NY but I did not know that was NY-specific. Even if it is, I won't stop the nice gesture because all the cheapos here think it is weird. Hasn't it ever occurred to you guys to think of the people that surround you and help you all year, and to do something nice for them at Christmas?)

It's a wonderful gesture that's why we give what we can. I might throw in a homemade pie this year with the $10 each cards. Gotta make pies anyway. What's one more? Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all!!!

A pie, handled by sanitation workers with filthy hands and riding around in a garbage truck all day? Please avoid giving food gifts to these guys.

This has got to be the funniest comment. You think sanitation workers are concerned about hygiene........

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Was going to suggest taping it to the underside of the trash container or top of the trash bag but think someone might take it if they see it. How about leaving a case of beer on top of the container? Or is beer not PC?

Beer could be swiped by minors, and you would be liable.

I repeat: Do NOT tip sanitation workers. This is a NYC-only phenomenon and we need to keep that madness in check.

Dear Cheapass

I have been tipping my "sanitation workers," i.e., the recyling and trash collectors for years. I tape cards to the respective cans. One year I broke my leg and DH took out cans night before as he was leaving on a trip early next morning He taped a note saying to collect tips where taped to front door. They knocked on door to thank me and ask if they could do anything since I had a broken leg. Nothing needed, but it was nice of them to ask.

Anonymous wrote:I do not give people booze anymore -- too many recovering alcoholics!

I'm recovering and when I get booze, I don't mind. I regift to a friend or to a teacher or our principal.

I usually bake something and pop out to give it to them. I couldn't get to the baking this year, so I did a $10 gift card for each of The 6 guys that collect our trash and recycling. I also wave and say hi when I see them. I also do cold drinks in the summer.

In exchange, they also honk at us (kids love it), they give me hugs (that part is strange, but whatever), and always ask how our family is doing.

Point is, I think it's nice to show appreciation for a job that I wouldn't want to do, and it doesn't have to be substantial or monetary. The message is received regardless.

Anonymous wrote:I just get a few flasks of cheap booze for them to help keep warm during the winter.

They always appreciate it.

Absolutely give booze to men driving two-ton trucks through residential neighborhoods.

I do not give people booze anymore -- too many recovering alcoholics!

I do. usually I wait until just after Christmas. Everyone has bills to pay then. I can watch the envelope more carefully then b/c not so busy. The trash men know what the envelope means. Sometimes we have excessive amounts of trash and they always take it, so I am grateful.

Our garbage men are city workers. We still tip for the holidays.

Our retired neighbor collects for the 32 homes in the neighborhood. We have three regular guys and they split $320. That said, leave a note and coordinate a date before or after the holidays.

I just get a few flasks of cheap booze for them to help keep warm during the winter.

They always appreciate it.

Anonymous wrote:My dh is a cop..nobody chases him down and gives him gift cards.

Garbage men work for private companies; cops are part of the government.

I give a plate of cookies.

But PP, if you want to make more than $12 per hour, you need to be something other than a garbage man.

Well here is some help from a garbage man. Us garbage men work hard in all kinds of outside weather climates. And I will tell you one thing any kind of Thank You that you could give would go along ways. Rather its money, gift cards or even cookies. Your gratefulness will increase and make us go the extra mile for you. Even on a HOT day just an ice cold bottle of water means alot. I have been a garbage man for 17 years. Not the greatest job but, it pays the bills. People also think we make good money. Well the truth is some of us do and some of us do not. Depends on the company. I am a driver and it would be nice to make more than $12.00 an hour. I hope this help you.

Anonymous wrote:We have 32 townhouses in our neighborhood and neighbors are asked to donate $10 per household. The three sanitation workers split whatever is collected.

What a nice gesture and reasonable too.

We have 32 townhouses in our neighborhood and neighbors are asked to donate $10 per household. The three sanitation workers split whatever is collected.