Mendota Heights Area Trash Haulers Kick Cancer to the Curb

You might think it would be difficult to brighten up a garbage can, but not only can it be done, it is being done for a very good cause—breast cancer awareness.

A new program called "Curb Cancer" was launched Sept. 15 at the American Cancer Society headquarters in Mendota Heights by several metro area trash and recycling companies, including Troje's, based in Inver Grove Heights.

Troje's customers can opt to replace their standard garbage cart with a bright pink model for $39. Each month, customers can pay an additional $1 on their monthly bill; Troje's will match the customer's $1 donation, with proceeds going directly to the Angel Foundation, which provides emergency financial assistance for families struggling with cancer.

"Cancer has touched my family—one of my best friends has cancer right now," said D.J. Troje, CEO of Troje's. 

"The 'Curb Cancer' campaign is a great way for our family-owned and operated business to show our support and our heart and raise funds for such a worthwhile organization."

The campaign was the brainchild of Judy Bialka, public relations coordinator for Waste Concepts. 

Originally from the Twin Cities, Bialka launched a similar program while living and working in Indiana. She is now back in the Twin Cities and shared the idea with Debbie Nielsen, vice president of finance for , another family-owned and operated trash hauling business based in Lakeville.

Nielsen, a breast cancer survivor of almost four years, embraced the idea from the start.

"Not only do I have a personal interest in the cause, but I think it is good for the community and will create more awareness about breast cancer," she said, adding that sixty customers in Dick's service area have already requested the new pink garbage carts.

Troje's new or current customers can do the same by visiting the company's website at www.trojestrash.com 

D.J. Troje believes the efforts of the participating local trash haulers can make a big difference.

"We know that our customers are caring people and this is a simple way for them to help others," he said.

Although the campaign is launching now in anticipation of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the pink garbage cans can be used indefinitely and the $1 monthly customer donation/matching gift program is ongoing.

"I ordered a container right away and so did my parents," said Nielsen, whose parents and siblings are also part of Dick's Sanitation. "The more pink containers we can get out on the streets, the better."