Every Wednesday morning on the west side of town, 4-year-old Mack Bailey eagerly waits outside to see his friend, “Rick the trash man.” For Mack, Wednesdays aren’t just another day of the week — they’re “trash day,” when he gets to see the garbage truck in action and spend time with Rick, the sanitation worker he’s come to admire.
Mack’s fascination with garbage trucks began about a year ago, according to his mother, Catie Bailey.
“Mack just loved watching the truck come by and empty our trash,” Bailey said. “Rick noticed him watching one day and started waving. Now, Rick takes the time to talk to Mack every week and lets him watch up close as the trash is compacted.”
The friendship grew from there. Mack even dresses the part, complete with a reflective vest, gloves, and a flashlight-equipped hat — just like Rick.
“He’s got a toy garbage truck at home and pretends to pick up trash inside the house,” Bailey said. “It’s really sweet how much he looks up to Rick.”
Rick Worth, the man behind the wheel of the garbage truck, said the bond is equally meaningful to him.
“When I pull up, Mack is so excited he’s running in circles,” Worth said. “He watches everything we do, and I let him push the buttons to compact the trash. Seeing his excitement makes my day.”
Worth recently decided to surprise Mack with a Christmas gift, giving him toy garbage trucks and a flashlight hat.
“I just thought it would be fun to see the reaction on his face,” Worth said. “When I gave it to him, he was over the moon. Moments like that make it all worth it.”
For Worth, the relationship has been a humbling experience.
“It’s just my job, but it feels good to know someone looks up to me like that,” he said. “I’m honored to be a part of Mack’s Wednesdays.”
Mack’s admiration is clear in his own words: “I love Rick the trash man. He always picks up our dumpsters, and he’s always nice to us.”
Catie said the friendship between Mack and Rick shows that even the simplest of routines — like taking out the trash — can create extraordinary connections.
“Rick has been such a great role model for Mack,” Bailey said. “He goes out of his way to make sure he’s here at the same time every week so Mack can be there. It’s something we’ll always treasure.”
