‘Main thing is just to keep moving’: Brutal cold doesn’t stop Lincoln’s trash collectors

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – At 5 a.m., when most are asleep, trash collectors across the city of Lincoln are just getting their day started — even when its minus 30 degrees outside.

Antonio Rodriguez has been a driver with Uribe Refuse for three years and said he loves coming to work knowing he’s serving a purpose.

Despite this week’s bone-chilling cold, Rodriguez and others like him bundle up and hit the streets, sometimes emptying as many as 400 trash cans a day.

“We try to do the best we can, dress up warm the best we can,” Rodriguez said. “Main thing is just to keep moving and try to stay warm and get the job done.”

Those temperatures are deadly for people who are exposed too long but aren’t gentle on equipment, either.

“The hydraulics usually kind of stick,” he said. “Since their diesel trucks, they like to gel up.”

Rodriguez said Uribe has some of the best mechanics around, who keep the trucks in shape, even running them overnight to help combat the temperatures.

During storms like this one, where drifts are piled high and getting around can be difficult, it’s important to keep your trash collectors in mind.

“Have your toters or your containers well swept away,” Rodriguez said. “Some of them don’t, but we do fight through it.”