“Simple Steps to Tackle the Law of the Garbage Truck” Theory

- June 13, 2025

Carrying others Garbage make us feel and look like this

DAVID. J. POLLAY

A phrase that applies to the human mind is garbage truck theory. According to this theory, people's thoughts are like garbage trucks. They are constantly filled with negativity, frustration, and rage. If we allow them to, this negativity will be thrown at us. Because of David Pollay's use of this phrase in his novel, the law of the garbage truck gained popular.

GARBAGE TRUCK

A truck built specifically to gather solid waste is called a garbage truck. The truck travels the entire city collecting various types of trash and garbage and is dumped to a specific place.

HUMAN MIND RELATED TO GARBAGE TRUCK

Many individuals minds are like garbage trucks. In the sense that their minds are filled with negativity, disappointment, stress, tension, irritation, and fury, they run around with trash in their heads. These individuals carry a great deal of misery with them, and they are willing to vent on everyone they can.

Therefore, don't take it personally if someone wants to vent or fling their rage at you; instead, go on. Saying this is easier than doing it. Developing this habit requires time and a lot of mental work. It takes a lot of years to develop or train your mind to remain composed in this circumstance. Humans always respond to these kinds of circumstances. When someone is disrespectful, we frequently react.

This will certainly destroy our day. There are numerous approaches to overcoming this dilemma. People who are willing to vent their rage or displeasure can be anyone. Consider a driver, server, supervisor, or relative. It doesn't matter if you're going through good or difficult circumstances, because you must always follow "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

RULES OR PRINCIPLES TO FOLLOW:

Recognize the 'The Garbage Truck'

People who move around with a lot of negativity are ready to throw it at us/you. They are easy to distinguish.

Don't take it personally

When someone expresses anger toward you, do not take it personally.

It may disrupt your internal peace and destroy your day. Understand that the reflection is based on their issues, not a personal attack.

Let it pass

Do not get caught up in the negativity; instead, let it pass by like a garbage truck. We always stand side by side and give way to garbage trucks. Similarly, we should let it pass.

Focus on your inner peace

You can maintain your inner serenity by avoiding other people's negativity. Concentrate on what really matters.

Don't dump your own Garbage on others

The notion also says that you ought not to express your own anger or stress to others. We should not allow others to dump on us, and we should not dump our negativity on others either.

How to focus on our inner peace

Mindfulness

Pay attention to the current moment without judgment, noticing thoughts and feelings as they arise and pass.

Meditation

Regular meditation can help to relax the mind, reduce tension, and produce a sense of peace and clarity.

Deep breathing techniques, such as the 4-7-8 technique, can promote calm.

Self - Care and well being

Self-care refers to the acts and practices that we intentionally choose to engage in on a daily basis in order to maintain and improve our health and well-being. Exercise, reading, meditation, disconnecting from devices, and conversing with a friend or family member are all examples of regular behaviours.

Other approaches include connecting with nature, journaling, forgiveness, acceptance, gratitude, journaling, making time for laughter, and practicing positive self-talk.

Conclusion

The Garbage Truck Theory reminds us that many people carry emotional garbage—anger, frustration, disappointment—and they’re just looking for a place to dump it. But we don’t have to be their dumping ground. We have a choice: absorb their negativity, or let it pass by, like a garbage truck on the street.

Let us choose peace over reaction, kindness over conflict, and self-control over impulse. Every time we resist the urge to react, we make the world a little lighter—for ourselves and others.

Starting today, be mindful of the garbage trucks around you. Don’t pick up what isn’t yours to carry. Smile, move on, and spread calmness. Share this mindset with someone who needs it—because peace is powerful when it’s passed on.