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National Dump the Pump Day

Dump the pump and save money on fuel this National Dump the Pump Day! Give your car a break and opt for sustainable transport options.

Wednesday

June 2026

Last updated February 8, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJune 17

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYNature

SUBCATEGORYConservation

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Show your support for public transportation on National Dump the Pump Day on June 17! This special day was created in 2006 to encourage people to leave their cars at home and use public transportation instead. The goal is to reduce emissions, traffic congestion, and the dependence on oil while raising awareness of the economic benefits of using alternative forms of transportation.

TIMELINE

National Dump the Pump Day Timeline

Start of Environmental Movement

April 22, 1970 marked the first Earth Day in the United States, sparking increased awareness around sustainability and providing the foundation for initiatives like Dump the Pump Day.

Impact of Oil Crisis

The energy crisis catalyzed a debate about dependency on fossil fuels following the price of oil quadrupled due to political instabilities in the Middle East.

Turn of the Century Perspectives

As fear of global warming grew more prevalent, so did calls for alternate sustainable methods of transportation, reinforcing the need for days like Dump the Pump Day.

Inception of National Dump The Pump Day

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) established National Dump the Pump Day on June 17 to promote the use of public transportation.

Growing Participation

Hundreds of public transportation organizations across the country started to participate in National Dump the Pump Day, leading to increased awareness of this day's message.

Pandemic Impacts

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic affecting public transportation, National Dump the Pump Day remained an important platform to discuss sustainable alternatives to personal car usage.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Dump the Pump Day

Ride a bike

Take advantage of the nice weather and ride your bike around town. This is a great way to get some exercise, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money.

WALK

Walk or run

If you can, walk or run to your destination. Not only does this help the environment but it's a great way to stay active and healthy.

CARPOOL

Carpool

Organize carpools with your family, friends, or co-workers to get where you need to go without having to drive your own car.

PUBLIC

Public transportation

Take the bus or train instead of driving your car. It's often cheaper than driving and you don't have to worry about traffic or parking.

RENT

Rent a car

Consider renting a car when you need one instead of owning one. This is a great way to save money on maintenance costs and fuel.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Dump the Pump Day is Important

Improving health

Apart from saving money and helping the environment, leaving the car at home and opting for more active forms of transportation like walking or biking has major health benefits. It gets you outside, improves balance and coordination, increases cardiovascular strength, lowers stress levels and even burns calories!

Saving money

By relying on alternatives to driving to get around, such as public transportation or carpooling, you can save a lot of money that would otherwise be going towards buying fuel and maintaining a vehicle. It also helps reduce your carbon footprint, meaning fewer harmful emissions being released into the atmosphere.

Helping the environment

Automobiles have a significant environmental impact due to the production of greenhouse gases during operation. Each gallon of gasoline burned produces almost 20 pounds of carbon dioxide. By reducing our dependence on cars we can reduce pollution, resulting in healthier air quality for everyone.

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