The Treasures in Trash

Trash day at my house is an event. There is nothing that builds my grandsons’ enthusiasm more than the anticipation of the garbage trucks overtaking our cul-de-sac with majestic presence. While playing outside, they jump wildly as the truck’s entrance is proceeded by that high-pitched sound of the engine revving up in acceleration. They follow as the truck accelerates from one house to the next, grabbing with robotic arms the plastic garbage containers at the end of each nearby driveway; lifting them methodically until just like that, the trash disappears into the big unknown of the truck body’s abyss. The process takes but 10 seconds, however my little ones become absolutely enthralled.

I think garbage trucks are universally adored by small children, but what makes our neighborhood garbage collection especially charming are the City of Centerville Public Works  truck drivers who are kind enough to “see” the kids who light up as they work their route. This past week, our driver actually pulled up as the kids were waving in awe and turned off the engine so he could chat for a moment with them. My grandsons had a million questions, and the kind truck driver’s generous acknowledgement of them was priceless. As I expressed appreciation for his pause to talk to the boys, he went on to tell me how many kids on his route knew him by name. He even mentioned a little girl who has written him letters and looks for him each week to come by her house. I was so touched and quite frankly glad that this truck driver was known so dearly by other kids. I even asked the driver if I could take a photo to capture my grandsons’ joy.

Our local workers who take care of the world beyond our kitchen windows are the unsung heroes of our community. Removing trash and recyclables each week without fail is just a portion of services we so often take for granted. Rain, shine, chill or heat, public service workers show up without fail. Beyond weekly commitments, there are seasonal services like spraying roads with salt during dusk before the snowstorms. And about those leaves we rake to the street curbs, there is something so cathartic about those huge vacuum hoses that just suck up damp and frost tinged piles of fallen leaves. And my favorite here in Centerville is the annual “big trash day,” where almost anything can be placed at the end of your driveway for removal.

All such services would be enough to express gratitude for, but when the dependable public works employees then go out of their way to make time for adoring little ones, that makes me even more appreciative.

My little 3 year old Thomas was especially mesmerized by our trash collector. His litany of questions bombarded our driver and were patiently received and answered accordingly. It was only after my “encouragement” to let the driver move on to the next neighborhood did Thomas send him off with big waves and loud “thank-you’s.” In the world of trash collection, the work is never done.

As we said good-bye to the garbage truck, Thomas’ glow lingered for a long time. As soon as the truck pulled away, Thomas immediately pulled my empty trash bin back to its rightful place in my garage. He felt part of the trash team, which made him proud. He then told me he wanted to become garbage truck driver when he grows up. What a great example to emulate.

So, to all public works employees, I wish you to know how much we, who live in your neighborhoods appreciate all you do. Don’t believe me? Just ask my Thomas.