Angel Veloz
USA- An Angel in the Trash Industry: The Life of Angel Velóz
- Embracing the Truck Life
- Overcoming Prejudice and Recognizing Danger
An Angel in the Trash Industry: The Life of Angel Velóz
Childhood Dreams and a Change of HeartAngel Velóz, a Cuban-born garbage truck driver in America, has spent over 33 years in the waste management industry, considering his profession an "elite in the garbage business." Despite Americans generating 254 million tons of trash annually, only about 120,000 people in the U.S. work in waste collection, with some earning up to $100,000 a year. In cities like New York, the competition for these jobs is fierce, with just 1% of residents expressing interest in sanitation work.
Velóz's passion for trucks began in his childhood when his father drove for Mack Trucks. After two years of college studying architecture, he realized it was not his calling and decided to switch paths, leaving behind the prospect of an office job.
Embracing the Truck Life
At age 18, Velóz started driving trucks, initially transporting beef in California. His brother in Florida, who owned a waste management company, offered him a position in his company. After a year, Velóz moved to Florida Recycling and eventually joined Waste Pro, where his brother also worked.
Overcoming Prejudice and Recognizing Danger
Velóz acknowledges that there is still prejudice against drivers, especially truck drivers. However, he is a family man with no tattoos, attends church, raises children, and has been married to the same woman for 30 years. He prides himself on his honesty and integrity.
Furthermore, many people underestimate the dangerous nature of waste collection work. Garbage collection ranks among the top five most hazardous professions in America. Trash collectors handle heavy and hazardous equipment daily. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 33 out of 100,000 garbage collectors suffer fatal injuries, a higher rate than police officers, construction workers, and miners.
