My Ride-Along with A Sanitation Hero

The Team

by Marina Kiriakou -

We see them almost daily - those essential workers who play a crucial role in our lives, whisking away the debris of our existence before it overtakes us.  With the familiar hum of their 60,000-pound trucks approaching, we know they’re on their way, silently maintaining the order of our neighborhoods.  To express my gratitude, I decide to learn more about the man behind the wheel on my street - Vinny Crupi.

A Morning with Vinny

My ride-along begins early on a bright morning, around 7:00 AM.  I meet Vinny, along with his colleagues John, James, and Gabe, midway through their route in Orienta.  Vinny greets me with a warm smile, helping me into the cab while assuring me that he’ll drive slowly.  “The ride is slammy,” he chuckles, “but your seat has a six-inch spring mechanism to absorb shocks.”  I soon abandon my notetaking; I can’t manage to scribble a legible word while we bump along.

Taking in my surroundings, I’m struck by how impeccably clean and organized the cab is—featuring a steering wheel and brakes on each side for easy maneuvering, and a large console between the seats.  “On a flat-faced truck like ours, the engine is housed under the console,” Vinny explains.  “In the summer, it can get unbearably hot in here, even with the air conditioning on.”

Always Vigilant

Before long, I find myself accustomed to the rhythm of his daily routine—stop, go, wait, stop, screech, and go again.  As our conversation flows, I notice Vinny’s constant vigilance, his eyes dart around, always aware of the streets, the crew on the back, and the individual houses on approach.  “My eyes are everywhere,” he says.  “My job may be repetitive, but the need to pay attention every second is crucial.”

This vigilance not only keeps the operation running smoothly but also gives him unparalleled expertise in the rhythm of life in our Village.

Navigating through school zones and busy intersections, Vinny emphasizes the importance of timing.  “I plan my route around traffic and pick-up schedules.  It’s not just about collecting trash; it’s about being efficient.”  His day starts at 5:30 AM, when he arrives at the office to check attendance and assign replacements.  By 6:00 AM, they’re rolling out to begin their rounds.

An Intimate Knowledge of the Neighborhood

As we drive, it becomes clear that Vinny knows our community better than most.  “These people have become our neighbors too,” he says.  “You get to know their stories, their schedules, and which families are new.”  He points out the significant increase in cardboard recycling since the pandemic, highlighting how remote work and online shopping change our waste patterns.

One story that stands out is about an elderly woman who invites him and his crew for holiday tea served on fine china.  She dresses elegantly, donning a stunning brooch reserved for special occasions.  “It’s these little moments that make the job special,” Vinny reflects.  Such memories and friendly conversations foster a sense of community that he holds dear.

Vinny’s connection to the neighborhood goes beyond casual interactions.  “I get to know people along the way: who’s a gardener, who has children, who lost a spouse, or who’s on vacation.  You become protective because you’re part of caring for these families.”

During the floods from Hurricane Ida, he witnessed the heartbreaking side of his job.  “Sometimes we filled a truck in just one block as families emptied a lifetime’s worth of belongings,” Vinny recalls.  “We were there for months, sharing in their grief.”

Vinny & Gabe

 The Challenges and Benefits of the Job

While Vinny’s stories illuminate the job, they also reveal the challenges his team faces daily.  The work is physically demanding, requiring the crew to lift heavy bins and endure intense hours.  As an essential worker, Vinny emphasizes the responsibility of showing up every day, regardless of personal circumstances.  “Whether we wake up to 4 inches of rain, 16 inches of snow, or have a sick child at home, we need to be there.  Garbage always needs to be collected; people depend on us.”

Vinny understands this firsthand, as his 6-year-old son battles serious illness.  “I spent the better part of last year sleeping alongside him in his hospital room.  I was grateful I got to be there,” he shares.  This glimpse into his life reminds me of the unseen sacrifices made by those we often take for granted.

“I wake up at 4:15 AM, and some days I don’t get home until late in the afternoon.  I miss a lot of family time,” he reflects.  The physical toll of the job surprised him.  “When I started, I didn’t imagine how hard this job can be on the back and knees—the hauling, jumping up and down from the truck, being jolted along for hours.  I tell the younger guys to be careful now.”

Despite the challenges, Vinny and his team find satisfaction in their work.  “We earn a decent living.  Our families are secure. We get to drive home every day knowing that we’ve earned every dollar of our pay—that’s a great feeling.”

A Hero in Disguise

As our ride continues, I feel a deepening respect for Vinny and his colleagues.  They may not wear uniforms that signify heroism, but their work is essential.  Their daily grind - from navigating the demands of an ever-changing community to managing the physical toll on the body - makes them heroes.  The team goes out of their way for people, returning to homes that miss a pickup, making special accommodations if necessary, and offering kindness to residents.

After completing morning rounds, Vinny and his team head to the solid waste transfer station in Mount Vernon, where they often face long waits, sometimes with 8 to 10 trucks ahead of them.  On recycling days, the team brings collected materials to the Village transfer facility, where county trucks are filled before heading to the Household Material Recycling Facility (H-MRF) in Hartsdale.

It’s a Wrap

As we wrap up our morning together, I feel a connection to the team and gratitude for the work that Vinny and our Village sanitation workers do.  They are the unsung heroes of our community, dedicating their lives to a job that many overlook.  My ride-along reveals not just the logistics of garbage collection but the heart of a great dad and an honorable man who serves our community.

Vinny & Author Marina Kiriakou