We’re so excited to share that Michael Gunter, roll-off driver at Recology Ashland, has been recognized as an Honorable Mention in the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) Driver of the Year awards in the Roll-Off category!
The NWRA Driver of the Year awards recognize waste collection professionals for their commitment to safety, years of service, route difficulty, and community engagement. With more than 150,000 waste collection drivers nationwide and companies from every state competing, this is an incredible honor.
Michael Gunter, Recology Ashland, Honorable Mention – Roll-Off
Mike Gunter has worked as a refuse collection driver for 35 years. He completes 400 weekly pickups serving customers in Ashland and Jackson County, Oregon. Rain and snow are among the challenges Mike faces every year in serving his customers.
Ashland City Manager Sabrina Cotta wrote to the NWRA supporting Mike’s Driver of The Year candidacy, saying, “Michael prioritizes safety above all else. Despite logging hundreds of miles per week servicing the compactors and debris boxes of the city’s largest and most demanding customers, Mike has recorded zero accidents, infractions, or blemishes of any kind. Such safety performance, when considering the demands of the role – from cramped, dimly lit loading docks to steep customer driveways – should not be undervalued.
“Along the way, Michael has built a reputation among his customer base as an approachable, reliable, and service-focused employee. His consistency, calmness, and willingness to put in the extra hours when needed are marks that make him a valued member of the Ashland team.”
Congratulations, Mike, and thank you for all that you do for your community!