Staff from both the Environmental Services Division (ESD) and the Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency (SFSWMA) placed in the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) National Road-E-O event held this past weekend in El Paso, TX. At the event, solid waste equipment operators from around the country compete on driving obstacle courses designed to test the critical skills used daily for safe, efficient trash and recycling collection, while mechanics are challenged with identifying and repairing pre-set issues with engines and other vehicle systems. 

Two ESD operators placed in their respective competitions: Patricio Lopez, who drives residential automated side-loader trucks, placed 3rd in his event; and Albert Valdez, who drives a commercial front-load truck, also placed 3rd. Ryan Mohler from SFSWMA placed 2nd in the Landfill Mechanic category.

SWANA is a professional organization representing local governments and private haulers in the Municipal Solid Waste sector. Each year, state chapters organize safety-oriented Road-E-Os for equipment operators and mechanics to come together and compete in driving and problem-solving events. Last spring, four ESD Collections Operators and a Landfill Equipment Mechanic from SFSWMA participated in a regional event in Lubbock, TX. Their placement in the competition made them eligible for the national event, where winners from all over the country come together to find the “best of the best” in the industry.

The City and SFSWMA congratulate these hard-working and knowledgeable operators and mechanics on their well-deserved recognition, and thank them for their contributions to our community!