Cleaner Genesis Sint Jacobs and garbage man Peter Dronkers proudly pose for the camera on Beijerlandselaan. They are being celebrated this week by the municipality. Along with all their colleagues, who, like them, keep the city clean daily.
From March 10 to 16, its the Waste Heroes Week. Every day, hundreds of municipal employees take to the streets to keep the city clean. Like Sint Jacobs and Dronkers. Every day we put on our orange work suits. Then we drive into the city with our vehicles to collect waste. We do this in all neighborhoods. That way, we ensure Rotterdam is a city to be proud of.
Positive feedback
Because their work makes the city look tidier and cleaner, they sometimes receive positive feedback from Rotterdammers. Sint Jacobs and Dronkers enjoy it: Its great when people wave to us. Sometimes I turn on my flashing light, which makes children very happy. We have that light to stand out in certain situations and to pass by somewhere. People can then see us coming better.
Through thick and thin
The work of the cleaner and garbage man and their colleagues is indispensable. To keep the city clean, the municipality employs people in various roles. From environmental park employees to garbage fishers who retrieve items from the water. Together they tackle many tasks: emptying trash cans, sweeping streets, picking up waste from parks, and even controlling pests like rats. Day and night, they do their work, through all weather. It sounds like our work is hard, but its really fun, says Sint Jacobs laughing. One thing is certain: without their efforts, the city would look much dirtier and less pleasant.
Rotterdammers as waste heroes
The best thing would be if all Rotterdammers also became waste heroes, says a municipal spokesperson. Because if less waste ends up on the street, the employees will have less to clean up, and less litter will remain on the street. There are already residents who pick up litter in their neighborhood or adopt a container. These are people who adopt their own container and ensure it stays clean. Hopefully, next year we can crown one or more Rotterdammers as waste heroes.
In the spotlight
Its the fifth time the Waste Heroes Week is organized in the Netherlands, and also in Rotterdam. Every year a few employees are put in the spotlight, like this year Sint Jacobs and Dronkers. But the employees who are not in the spotlight are certainly not forgotten. Everyone working outside for a clean city receives a heros breakfast, compliment card, and various nice messages from the municipality this week.
Curious after reading this story? More information about the Waste Heroes Week can be found on the website Week van de Afvalhelden. Link opens an external page.