The Law of the Garbage Truck

In The Law of the Garbage Truck, David J. Pollay shows us that by refusing to let others dump their “garbage” (negativity, anger, resentment) on us—and letting it “pass by” instead—we become happier and more successful, both personally and professionally. And when we stop dumping garbage on others, we improve our relationships, strengthen our businesses, and bring our communities together.


Twenty years ago, while riding in a New York City taxi, syndicated columnist and business consultant David J. Pollay narrowly escaped a life-threatening car crash. The driver who almost caused the accident started yelling at the cab driver, who remarkably just smiled, waved, and wished him well. Pollay asked how the cabbie could remain so calm, and his response sparked the defining principle of The Law of the Garbage Truck:

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. . . . And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you. So when someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally . . . move on.

Now Pollay shows you how to apply his Law in this remarkable book that can help you:

• Avoid getting dumped on by rude, thoughtless, and angry people
• Stop reliving the negative in your past, and fearing the future
• Focus on what you can control, not the negative things you can’t
• Reduce incivility wherever you find it, and stop bullies in their tracks
• Improve your relationships by not dumping on your friends, parents, spouse, or coworkers
• Find happiness again after dealing with illness, loss, and personal tragedy
• Increase productivity, respect, and cooperation by creating a No Garbage Trucks! Zone in your business, school, and home
• Gain the courage to enjoy every day, do what you love, and make a difference

This book includes short action guides after each chapter to help you implement The Law of the Garbage Truck in your business and personal life, and it contains two powerful, insightful quizzes designed to help you determine how much garbage you are accepting and how much garbage you are dumping. The results may surprise you!

Take control of your life. . . . Don’t let other people’s bad behavior hold you back.

In The Law of the Garbage Truck, David J. Pollay shows you how to respond to the people who dump on you, and how to stop dumping on others. His message is simple, powerful, and transformational. Once you’ve taken The No Garbage Trucks! Pledge, you—and everyone around you—will realize the benefits!