ABOUT THE BOOK
“Everyone should read this book! A classic in the making, The Law of the Garbage Truck speaks to the universal need to get on with life without being derailed by negativity we can’t control. David J. Pollay gives us the motivation to stay on track, achieve our goals, and–best of all–be happy!”
—Nido R. Qubein, President of High Point University and Chairman of Great Harvest Bread Company
How often does a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive relative ruin your day with a thoughtless action, an angry rant, or a snide remark? And how often have you ruined someone else’s day?
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!
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As a Yahoo!, David was a one man “No Garbage Zone” of positive attitude and good business results. This honest and generous book will show you how to be one too.
—Tim Sanders, former Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo! and author of Love Is the Killer App: How To Win Business and Influence Friends
David J. Pollay’s The Law of the Garbage Truck stands out from the hundreds of how-to-live-your-life books: It is backed by the best current research on happiness and well-being . . . readers who seriously commit to these principles will find their lives, their work, and their relationships enriched.
—Raymond D. Fowler, former President of the American Psychological Association








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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I‘ve decided to take the pledge. Each time I react in a positive manner, I’m encouraged to continue because of the good feeling I get. This book helped me change my habit of allowing others to dump on me. This would often provoke a negative response. Now I’m usually able to ignore the Garbage Trucks I encounter on a daily basis.
The action questions drew me into the process. Two things I always try to remember now are. Venting can help, dumping will hurt. And do live in gratitude.
Lots of books give you good ideas, but David presents a format that is easy for everyone to understand and implement. He includes the reader in the process by asking questions and providing step by step guidelines. This is a book I will refer to often, share, and treasure.
As a retired teacher, I suggest the book to all educators. Students of all ages will relate to the stories and embrace the commitments. I was delighted to read the section on anti-bullying, with great applications for teachers and students. How wonderful our schools would be if everyone took the pledge and declare their campus a No Garbage Trucks Zone!
I will be ordering books for my family and friends.
Wow David! What a great read!
I saw an advance copy and there is so much I can learn from your message and guidance. This book is for people who want to live a happy and productive life. I like the quizzes, and they reveal a little more about me than I care to say. It’s a challenge, but every chapter has stories which show how to apply the philosophy in everyday life . I think it should be taught in schools and used in the workplace, and at home.
Thanks again, Max
Thanks, Carol! I’m so glad the book struck such a positive chord with you. I appreciate everything you wrote. It means a lot to me.
I’m also excited about the number of teachers that are declaring their classrooms to be No Garbage Trucks! Zones. Thanks for all your support.
Stay in touch!
All the best,
David
Thanks, Max!
You’re not alone! We’re all working on accepting and dumping less garbage. Your vision for seeing people follow The Law of the Garbage Truck at home, at work, and in schools captures the spirit of our mission to increase happiness, success, and civility in the world. I sure appreciate your support!
All the best,
David
Thanks for your brilliant post. Have bookmarked it and will share with my relatives as well. Just subscribed to your RSS feeds.
Great blog. I will keep a track of this blog post. I have linked your site to Digg so that I can visit again. Great content, I must say.
The best book i’ve ever read. Before reading the book I couldnt get why letting things pass me by was going to make me any happier and a better person; but now everything makes sence, thanks for changing the way I live.
Thanks, Gabi! Great to hear from you. I’m so glad my book has been so helpful to you. Your note means a lot to me.
Keep me posted on how things go for you. And stay in touch here and on our Facebook page (lots going on there every week).
http://www.facebook.com/thelawofthegarbagetruck
All the best,
David
Thanks for this wonderful, must read book. This provides a powerful, magical mirror – fitting as both a “rear view” and a “foresight” in this journey of life!
Thanks, Hebbar!
Dave I absolutely loved your book.. I met you at the Tampa store and got your autograph. Didn’t think it would change my life the way it did. After reading it, I realized just how negative the world is and it’s on us to not accept that negativity and allow others to ruin our day..
Thanks and God bless
Hi Dennis!
I not only remember meeting you, I was looking at a great photo of us in front of the big truck in Tampa: The Law of the Garbage Truck.
I loved your energy; you’re a good man. I remember you were on a mission.
I’m so glad the book has had a great impact on you.
And I would love to know more details. Email me at david(at)thelawofthegarbagetruck.com and tell me more when you have time. I love hearing stories from good folks like you!
Great to hear from you, Dennis!
Stay in touch with me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/thelawofthegarbagetruck
You’ll see some photos of me with Joel Osteen. Joel has endorsed my book and has preached The Law. We’re getting a lot of support around the world, Dennis.
Thanks for spreading the word!
All the best,
David
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