What would a world look like without garbage collection? I don’t think any of us actually want to experience that world. We would be swimming in our own filth – a cesspool for disease. It would be downright unlivable.  

If we don’t want to live in this kind of world – why don’t we hold the individuals who make their living collecting and properly disposing of our undesirable material with great esteem?

It’s a noble profession. They are protectors of human health. They are super heroes for the environment. They are society’s unsung heroes. 

We shouldn’t just hold them with great esteem – we should encourage youth to pursue a career in the industry. 

In-Demand Careers
The fact is trash and recycling collectors are essential. You can make a great living, and it’s a stable industry – let’s face it, there will always be items to discard.  

However, like many trade jobs in America – there is a shortage of qualified employees. The National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) estimates a shortage of 49,330 collection jobs by the year 2022 and paint an even bleaker future for qualified mechanics to work on the collection vehicles – estimating a shortage of 71,500 jobs by 2022. 

Addressing the Skills Gap
Rumpke is trying to address this skills gap. We offer CDL training programs. We create a customized career development plan to help our employees meet their own personal career goals. We even offer on-the-job training for mechanics to help individuals grow in the trade. And the training is free. That’s right – free training. 

So if you’re looking for a new career in 2017, be more – be a super hero for the environment and a protector of human health. 

About the author: Molly Yeager is the Corporate Communications Supervisor.