We’re so excited to share that seven Recology drivers in San Francisco have been recognized in the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) Driver of the Year awards, including two Driver of the Year winners and five honorable mentions!
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.
2025 Driver of the Year Winners
Luis Gonzalez, Recology Golden Gate, Driver of the Year – Roll-Off
Luis has been a refuse collection driver in San Francisco for 44 years. He makes up to 70 debris box deliveries, repairs, and exchanges per week. Many of the locations Luis services are tight and require special driving skills.
“Luis has an impeccable driving record, demonstrating not only adherence to all traffic laws but he also an innate ability to navigate challenging conditions with caution and skill,” says Recology Safety Manager Matthew McLaughlin.
Torrey McGinley, who leads Off Third Street, a commercial property association in San Francisco, wrote a letter of strong support for Luis’ Driver of The Year candidacy: “Any time we’ve needed Luis’ assistance, he’s been very willing to oblige. Whether it’s been helping to remove oversized items for recycling, replacing wheels on our bins, or even rounding up someone who’s missed our pickup, he’s always been on the scene…with a smile, no less.”
Melvin Mello III, Recology San Francisco, Driver of the Year – Safety
Melvin is a long-haul transfer truck driver and backup dispatcher. He loves his job, has a great personality, and embodies Recology’s values and goals.
“Melvin is a skilled driver and a responsible and professional individual,” wrote Recology Senior Safety Manager Jarik Pink in a letter of recommendation to the NWRA. “He has shown profound respect for the truck he operates, ensuring all pre- and post-trip checks, regular maintenance checks, and keeping up with all safety expectations set forth by Recology.”
Melvin, his grandfather, his father, and his uncles have all volunteered with the annual Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival and many other community events. Melvin also assists the IDES Society, a Portuguese organization with deep roots in the coastal community. Susie Morasci, president of the society, praised Melvin’s commitment to service in her letter of recommendation.
“Melvin rarely misses an opportunity to volunteer at our organization’s events, often bringing his family with him and teaching them the importance of volunteering. He is a wonderful father to his 4 children, of which 2 he was a foster parent and eventually adopted as his own. He and his wife, Cinnamon, are exemplary parents and role models to them and others.”
Honorable Mentions
David Barbagelata, Recology Sunset Scavenger, Honorable Mention – Residential
Dave is a third-generation San Francisco garbage collector. His grandfather started working for the company in 1925, precisely 100 years ago. Dave has worked at Recology for 37 years.
Dave drives a slide-loader and picks up trash from 700–800 Mission District properties daily. Most stops are for residential customers, with some commercial customers on 24th Street.
“Dave is very safety-minded,” says Senior Operations Manager Maurizzio Baglieri.
“Dave Barbagelata exemplifies the past, present, and future of the essential service that refuse collectors provide across the U.S.,” says General Manager Anthony Crescenti. “He brings professionalism, true commitment to safety, dedication, and ownership to the job.”
Quincy Bundage, Recology Sunset Scavenger, Honorable Mention – Commercial
Quincy has worked for Recology for 24 years. He is a highly skilled front-loader driver.
Regional Safety Manager Jeffery House commends Quincy as “an excellent communicator, problem solver, and polite driver — all traits necessary for driving a large truck and servicing routes in the very challenging City of San Francisco.”
Many commercial customers wrote letters supporting Quincy’s application.
“Quincy consistently arrives on time and always ensures that our trash is collected promptly and efficiently. Even on days when the weather is less than ideal, Quincy never falters in his commitment to providing great service,” says Anthony Tarantino, A. Tarantino & Sons, a poultry and seafood company in San Francisco.
Frank Scott, Director of Facilities for Meals on Wheels in San Francisco, says, “One of Quincy Bundage’s most remarkable qualities is his strong sense of responsibility when it comes to servicing the site. Quincy consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that the work area is left clean and accessible. His attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in every aspect of his work.”
Mike Burian, Recology San Francisco, Honorable Mention – Safety
Mike drives up to 1,700 miles a week transporting trash from San Francisco to Recology Hay Road Landfill in rural Solano County.
In a letter to the NWRA, Vice President and General Manager Maurice Quillen wrote, “Mike has proven himself to be an exceptional driver. He has always followed proper driving procedures and traffic laws. His attention to detail in vehicle maintenance and his commitment to ensuring he follows compliance regulations is a testament to his dedication and thoroughness.”
Mike is also a backup dispatcher for the RSF Long-Haul Department. His positive attitude, strong communication, and teamwork have earned him the respect of his peers.
Rigoberto Lopez, Recology Sunset Scavenger, Honorable Mention – Roll-off
Rigoberto, known as “Rigo” to his co-workers, has been with our company for 40 years. He makes 45 roll-off pickups and deliveries per week to properties throughout San Francisco.
“Rigo has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication and an exemplary work ethic,” says Lynell Stinson, Debris Box Department Manager.
Regional Safety Manager Jeffrey House wrote: “A significant increase in the use of e-bikes and battery-powered scooters has amplified the difficulty of driving a large truck on San Francisco streets, and Rigoberto has exemplified his dedication by his commitment, his mentorship, and educating of young and new drivers about safe driving practices to prevent accidents and injuries.”
Rodney McAlavey, Recology San Francisco, Honorable Mention – Safety
Rod is integral to Recology’s long-haul operation as a driver and dispatcher. He has been with the company for 38 years.
Maurice Quillen, Vice President and General Manager of Recology San Francisco, has known Rod for 30 years. “Rod has always displayed an immense work ethic and an unselfish company-first attitude. The success of our company and its longevity is solely due to people like Rod McAlavey.”
Senior Safety Manager Jarik Pink also praised Rod in a letter to the Driver of the Year judges, writing that his “ability to navigate long distances efficiently while adhering to all safety protocols has contributed significantly to our company’s reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.”
Rod also helps maintain Recology’s antique trucks. He drives them in parades and helps transport them to events such as the annual Waste Expo, our industry’s largest trade show.
Congratulations, everyone, and thank you for all that you do for your communities!