Baldwin Park Worker Earns National Honor for Safe and Exemplary Service

Ruben Alcantara, a garbage truck driver for Waste Management, Inc. in Baldwin Park, Calif., was honored as 'Driver of the Year' in the Large Commercial Category by the Environmental Industry Associations (EIA) at a national awards ceremony tuesday in New Orleans.

“All garbage men and women provide vital services keeping their communities clean and healthy by picking up waste and recycling,” said EIA Board of Trustees Chairman Charlie Appleby.

“Among that important group, recipients of the EIA Drivers of the Year award stand out. They are the very best in our industry. They have excellent safety records, demonstrate respect for their companies, and provide high standards of customer service.”  

With a 43-year, clean driving record – all with the same company – Alcantara drives an average of 600 miles per week along his city routes for more than 1,200 garbage pickups.

Alcantara’s customers, community and fellow employees alike have lauded his humanity, courtesy, character and leadership in addition to his dedication to his company and customers.

He was selected from a group of nearly 900 applicants nationally and from 64 applicants in California.  

“Ruben’s record of professionalism, loyalty, quality customer service and dedication to safety have more than earned him the admiration of the waste and recycling industry and distinction as Driver of the Year,” said Sharon H. Kneiss, President and CEO of EIA.

Alcantara’s employer, Waste Management, Inc., is North America’s leading provider of integrated environmental solutions.  It serves more than 20 million commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers.

 “Ruben represents what Waste Management stands for and believes in – placing our customers first,” said Doug Corcoran, vice president of Waste Management of California, Inc. “We are humbled by Ruben’s loyalty to our customers and to our company.”  

The awards ceremony was part of the waste and recycling industry’s national trade show, WasteExpo 2013, in New Orleans (www.wasteexpo.com).

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