Celebrating the People Behind the Work

At Eagle Transfer Service (ETS), we don’t just measure success by the number of routes completed or the amount of tons hauled. We measure it by the people who show up before sunrise, in every season, to do work that matters. 

Our drivers, helpers, mechanics, customer service reps, and office team are the heartbeat of this company. Which is why our annual Employee Appreciation Event is more than just a gathering. It’s our chance to pause and say thank you in a way that feels real.

We help our customers dispose of their trash and recyclables safely and on time. But the truth is, we can only do that because of the care and commitment of the people wearing the Eagle Transfer logo every day. That’s why it’s vital to stop and say, “Thank you for your hard work.”

A Day Built Around Pride, Respect, and Safety

This year’s event brought together more than 50 employees. One of our highest attendance levels ever. Better communication played a big role, with countdown reminders and updates leading up to the big day. Energy was high from the moment people arrived. Even higher once the friendly competitions kicked off.

One of the most talked-about moments was the trash-throwing contest. Team members raced to jump off the truck step and pitch bags into the hopper. Participants reset cans before climbing back on. It was fast, funny, competitive, and the perfect example of one of our core values: we take pride in the pickup.

The crowd loved it, but the best part wasn’t the speed or the trophies. It was the way people cheered each other on. Office staff and drivers. Helpers and managers. People who don’t always get to work side-by-side were high-fiving like teammates. That’s the kind of connection we want to build.

The driver backing challenge also made its debut this year. This contest rewarded skill, not speed. Watching our CDL drivers maneuver a truck in reverse around a tight corner reminded all of us just how much talent goes into a “simple pickup.” When we say another core value is that we respect the hustle, that’s what we mean.

A Sweet Surprise (Literally)

We also unveiled what might be one of the most memorable details of the day: a 3D cake shaped like an ETS trash truck, complete with our logo and trash spilling from the back. It was a hit, both as dessert and as a symbol of who we are: a company proud of the work we do.

Honoring 20 Years of Service

One of the most meaningful moments was honoring Neville “Senior” Walker, who celebrated 20 years with Eagle Transfer this year. A helper by title but a mentor by nature, Neville is known for his perfect attendance. He has a reputation for incredible route knowledge and for the way he trains new helpers with patience and pride.

If you ever follow behind his truck, you’ll notice something small but powerful. Every can is put back exactly where it belongs. Details matter. Customers notice. That’s what pride looks like in real life. Not in a slogan, but in the way work gets done.

Building Culture That Lasts

Beyond the food, contests, raffle prizes, and swag bags, something deeper happened this year. People talked. Drivers connected with the office staff. Helpers shared stories from the field. Employees gave honest feedback through surveys, including requests for more games, more recognition, and yes, more TV giveaways.

That feedback matters because culture isn’t something we announce. It’s something we build together. No one is above the work, and no job is beneath anyone.

We’ve already seen this mindset grow through peer mentoring, stronger communication, better attendance, and employee retention. And it’s just the beginning.

Safety: Not a Policy, but a Promise

One topic that surfaced repeatedly during the event was safety. Being a driver or helper isn’t just hard work. It’s dangerous work. Helpers stand on the back step of a moving truck. Drivers navigate tight streets and unpredictable weather. According to OSHA, refuse and recyclable material collectors are among the 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why another ETS core value is that we want everyone to go home safely.

Next year, we plan to build even more safety reminders and demonstrations into the event. Not because compliance demands it. But because our people deserve it.

Our goal isn’t just to get the job done. Our goal is to get it done safely. 

Every route. 

Every load. 

Every shift.

Looking Ahead: Where We’re Going Together

Our vision at Eagle Transfer is clear: become the organization that provides the most innovative waste and recycling solutions while giving customers the best service possible. We’re driven by a shared commitment to excellence.

That vision starts with people. With culture. With moments like this event. Where core values aren’t posters, but lived behaviors.

We’re proud of the work we do. We’re proud of the people who do it. And we’re proud that even in a job most people never see, we show up with heart, grit, and respect.

Because trash doesn’t take a day off. Neither does our commitment to each other.

Want to join a team that takes pride in the work and cares about the people doing it? Visit our Careers page to learn more.