Celebrating National Waste and Recycling Workers Week: 10 Inspiring Athens Services Team Stories

This National Waste and Recycling Workers Week, we proudly shine a spotlight on 8 outstanding team members who exemplify the heart of Athens Services.

Their work provides a vital service, keeping our neighborhoods clean, communities healthy, and environment protected. From early mornings to long routes, their dedication does not go unnoticed. From operating trucks on city streets to leading teams inside our Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), these professionals go above and beyond every day. Join us in celebrating their contributions and commitment to environmental excellence.

At Athens Services, we believe in celebrating the people who make a difference every single day. To all our team members: thank you for showing up with pride, purpose, and unwavering commitment to The Athens Way. The impact you make is lasting and deeply appreciated.

When he earned his commercial driver’s license (CDL), Athens provided the training and seat time he needed to grow behind the wheel. That early investment set the stage for long-term success.

“When I joined Athens, there were only two yards. Even back then, team members believed in the company’s future growth and I knew I could grow too. It’s been amazing to see that come true,” said Eddie.

Over the years, Eddie has taken on key roles at Athens, including operating walking floor trucks and tippers to transfer materials to landfills. His journey has been shaped by trust, responsibility, and continuous personal growth.

“Working at Athens has been a thrill ride. They’ve given me the time, training, and tools to grow,” said Eddie. “It’s a great job, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. You’ve got to give 100% every day.”

A Beaumont resident for the past 15 years, Eddie is a proud father to two sons, Edward (25) and Matthew (20). When he’s not on the road, you can find him off-roading in 4x4s, rock crawling, playing soccer, and spending time with loved ones.

Since then, he’s made a lasting impact in the communities of Azusa, West Covina, and Covina, where he’s proudly served for the past 17 years.

One of Robert’s proudest accomplishments is serving as a trainer for new team members. His leadership and dedication didn’t go unnoticed – supervisors recognized his experience and invited him to help guide and mentor incoming drivers.

“They asked if I’d be interested in training new team members based on my experience, and I was excited to say yes,” said Robert.

Through training, Robert meets new faces and finds fulfillment in helping others grow within the company just as he did.

For Robert, the most rewarding part of the job is simple:

“I look forward to getting the job done correctly and getting home safely,” said Robert.

Robert is a 16 yearlong West Covina resident where he lives with his wife of 31 years, Christine. The couple are proud parents to their daughter, Denise (30).

When he’s not working, you can find him relaxing at home with a good series on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. He loves watching show after show but will pause to proudly root for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Rams.

For the past three years, he’s brought technical expertise, reliability, and leadership to the role, which he considers both an honor and a responsibility.

“I’m thankful for this position because I’m able to pass on all my knowledge and experience to the next generation,” said Andres.

Andres isn’t one to back down from a tough job. One of his proudest accomplishments came when a 58-foot conveyor belt needed to be removed and replaced. Due facility’s tight layout, bringing in heavy equipment wasn’t an viable option. Although he was given a 12-hour window to complete the repair, Andres finished the job safely and successfully in just 8 hours.

In another instance, a vendor estimated it would take two days to construct and install a new belt. But with his hand-on experience and deep understanding of the process, Andres decided to build it himself, completing the job in just two hours and saving the team both time and resources.

Throughout his career, Andres has remained deeply grateful to Athens Services and the leadership team that has supported him along the way.

“They’ve always had my back, and that’s given me the confidence to do my job,” said Andres.

That gratitude fuels his commitment to pay it forward, not just by keeping operations running, but by making sure newer team members have the same opportunities to learn and succeed.

Andres is a Highland Park of 21 years alongside his wife of 38 years Margarita. The pair share two children, Magaly (37), and Leon (35).

Driven by dedication and a strong worth ethic, Jorge made his way to American Organics composting facility in Victorville. Today, he plays a vital role in ensuring daily operations run smoothly and that all permits, safety protocols, and environmental requirements are up to date. He also works closely with the team to monitor the biological and environmental factors that drive successful composting.

“At American Organics, we make compost and it’s not just dirt.,” he explained. “There’s a lot of science behind it. It takes training, attention to detail, and a strong focus on safety. The work we do really matters in the big picture.”

Responsibility is something Jorge takes seriously – but just as important to him is the culture of support that helped shape his journey.

When he briefly stepped away from work to be present during the early months of his first child’s life, Athens welcomed him back without hesitation. That experience left a lasting impression. Jorge remains deeply grateful to the mentors and coworkers who believed in him from the start.

“I appreciate everyone who took the time to help me grow. They saw my potential. Because of them, I became the person I wanted to be,” said Jorge.

He finds deep meaning in the work he does, knowing that the compost produced at American Organics large-scale agricultural operations throughout the Southern California region. These farms rely on nutrient-rich, sustainable compost to improve soil health, retain moisture, and increase crop yields – helping to feed communities while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers.

“There are people who rely on the work we do. Knowing they appreciate it means a lot. We’re part of something bigger, and we’re helping the community and the environment.”

At home in Victorville, Jorge enjoys life with his wife Jessnie and their beautiful blended family of seven children: Angelina (13), Sophia (11), Alina (10), Johvanny (9), Zalea (3), Jayden (2), and Cameron (1).

When he’s not at work, Jorge is all about food, family, and tradition. He finds joy in grilling, dining out, and sharing meals with loved ones, a passion rooted in childhood memories of cooking alongside his grandmother.

Since joining Athens nearly four years ago, Leonel has primarily operated Automatic Side Loader (ASL) vehicles, but he also steps in to drive Curotto-Cans and Commercial trucks when needed. He’s proudly served the Covina and Monrovia communities from day one, delivering consistent, reliable service with a strong commitment to safety.

“The most important thing is to be safe – for ourselves, for other drivers, and for the community, while also providing exceptional service,” said Leonel.

His team-first attitude and respect for the role has made him a valued member of the Athens family.

A proud Azusa resident of 23 years, Leonel has been married to his wife Laura for 33 years. The couple shares three daughters, Maria (37), Ashley (35), and Alexandria (31).

“I never considered operations when I joined the team,” said Carlos. “But then the Sun Valley MRF Manager stopped by an RC meeting and mentioned Athens was focused on promoting from within and something just clicked.”

In his current role, Carlos is constantly learning and growing. From operating heavy equipment like excavators, loaders, and forklifts to gaining hands-on experience with compliance and waste characterizations, he embraces every opportunity to expend his skills. For Carlos, leadership is more than logistics; it is about supporting and empowering others.

“I’m so grateful for the people, especially those under my stewardship. Without them, we couldn’t shine. If they look good, it makes me look good. The impact they make is incredible,” said Carlos.

Carlos recently moved to Northridge with his wife Isabel. The couple married last November but have been together for 10 years. They share their home with Riley, a playful black Golden Retriever–Lab mix.

When he’s not working, Carlos enjoys working out, golfing, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Kings.

“It is something that needs to get done. We need to collect the trash—if not, where would we be?” he said, reflecting on the importance of his work.

His journey to Athens Services was inspired by his family. His relative, Jaime “Jimmy” Zepeda, who works out of the Salt Lake as a Truck Mechanic III, regularly spoke highly of the company.

“Every time we got together, Jimmy would tell me about Athens and how I should come check it out. I did – and I love it,” said Sacramento.

That leap of faith led to a job he truly enjoys, in an environment where he feels respected and supported.

“Athens treats me good. I really appreciate that,” said Sacramento.

A constant theme in his work is safety, something makes a priority every single day.

“I look forward to being safe every day, in the mornings, before and after my coffee, before I get in my truck. I just want to be safe,” said Sacramento.

Outside of work, he shares life with his wife of 27 years Jessica. The couple shares three sons. Andrew (25) who is currently serving as a Marine, Christopher (22), and Steven (19) who aspires to be a Navy medic.

In his free time, Sacramento enjoys spending time with his wife taking walks, relaxing, and simply spending quality time.

Vicente’s journey to Athens was unconventional. He did not apply online or come through a formal referral. Instead, he simply walked through the front doors after hearing great things from two former coworkers.

“I was driving home and saw the logo. I liked what it stood for, The Athens Way. I thought, ‘Let me just check it out.’ I was referred to a recruiter, and got hired the same week,” said Vicente.

Since then, he’s built a strong rhythm in his role and found genuine fulfillment in what he does. Connecting with the communities he serves is by far the best part.

With nearly two years at Athens Services and over eight years in the industry, Solomon’s positive energy, versatility, and commitment to doing the job shines bright. Whether he’s collecting trash during the week or handling recycling on weekends, he represents Athens with professionalism and heart.

Before joining the company, Solomon already had his eye on Athens. He knew a few team members – and the trucks left a lasting impression.

“I’d see those brand-new Athens trucks on the freeway and wonder what it would be like to work here,” said Solomon.

So, when the opportunity came, he didn’t hesitate. Athens’ continuous growth and values sealed the deal.

“Number one, they’re family-owned. They know who you are and what you’re about. I like working for a company that’s growing, you don’t want to be somewhere that’s stuck.”

One of the most rewarding parts of the job is appreciation from residents.

“Being recognized by customers or the community when you’re keeping their area clean is more than enough for me,” said Solomon.

Outside of work, Solomon is embracing a new chapter: fatherhood. His son, Emiliano, is eight-months-old, and Solomon cherishes every moment of these early days. When he’s not in dad mode, you can find him at the gym or enjoying a good meal out with family and friends.

He began his industry journey as a facility cleaner, quickly working his way up through roles as a spotter, sorter, and eventually Operations Lead, a role he held for three years before joining Athens in 2024 in search of a new challenge.

“What really made me want to join Athens is the culture. It’s family-oriented, and they actually want you to grow,” said Danny. “I had two former coworkers tell me about the environment here and they were right. The support is real. They want everyone to do better.”

Whether at the City of Industry MRF or other Athens facilities, Danny says the message is consistent: learn, grow, level up. He credits his leadership team for constantly encouraging him to evolve.

Danny plays a critical role in day-to-day plant operations, managing associates, running data trackers, and overseeing MRF performance and safety. He monitors issues like recyclables leakage, investigates root causes, and works to resolve them, keeping efficiency and quality on track.

“I like being challenged and how every day is something different,” said Danny.

While his day includes everything from data entry to troubleshooting equipment, safety remains his top priority.

“When everyone finishes the day the same way they started it, safe and sound, that’s a win for the whole crew.”

Danny has lived in Palmdale since 2013 and is a proud father to his 4-year-old daughter, Briella. At home, he shares life with two dogs—Buster, a white Shih Tzu mix, and Chico, a Chihuahua.

Outside of work, Danny enjoys working on cars, watching football, and cheering on his favorite team, the Las Vegas Raiders, through and through.

Inspired by these stories? Start your journey in the waste and recycling industry today. Explore open positions at AthensServices.com/Careers.