Driver Rob talks about his work in the waste industry

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At industrial park Ekkersrijt, we met up with Rob, who drives a REMONDIS hooklift truck. When we met him, he had just dropped off a full container of rubble. He says: "Last year there was a big fire in the building behind us and now they are demolishing it. Have just I just transported a container of Styrofoam roof panels."

Rob, trained as an auto mechanic, soon discovered that being between four walls was not for him. The urge for more freedom led him to work as an truck driver, something he has been doing for 30 years this year. For a long time, he drove internationally. "Because of my wide work experience, I know very well what I want and don't want", Rob says about it. "I am comfortable being alone, I even like being alone, but those long distances and being away from home a lot, I just don't want that anymore."

After that, Rob did many different things, he worked at Eindhoven airport for a while, refuelling aircrafts. Hectic work, he describes. That is also the reason why he expressed his desire for other work at 24/7 drive. That's how he ended up at REMONDIS. “Initially, I drove a garbage truck”, says Rob. “You drive in a residential area all day, you have to brake a lot and you’re busy all day keeping an eye on the cameras. I think it's great that those men and women can do that, for me it takes too much energy and at night I had a lot of leg and knee pain because of it." 

"After 3 months I mentioned that I wanted something else anyway. REMONDIS didn't want to lose me so they suggested I try working on the hook truck. And I actually really like it, I think it's great and fun to do", Rob says enthusiastically. The work is less physical than on the garbage truck and with Eindhoven and the surrounding area as his working territory, Rob is home nice and early in the evening: "I start around 6:00 in the morning and I’m back home around 17:00, I like that."

Rob is also very happy with the cooperation with 24/7 drive. The contact with colleagues in the office is pleasant and he likes to drop by for a chat with Geert or Edwin. "At 24/7 drive, everything is well organised. There is clear communication, salaries are paid on time and everything goes according to the collective labour agreement", Rob says.

Something that keeps recurring in the conversation with Rob is his need for freedom. He has been working through 24/7 drive since 2015 and he doesn't want to think about returning to working directly on contract with a company. “I don't want to be tied down to anything, that makes me nervous", he says. "I like the fact that if I don't like it somewhere anymore, 24/7 drive helps me find a new job."

Fortunately, Rob is in a good place at REMONDIS. When we asked him at the end what he likes best about his job, he replies: "Even though I'm good at being alone, I don't want to be alone all day anymore. Now I have contact with contractors, with demolition companies and other companies that have waste. I like the combination of driving alone but being in contact with people."

We are proud of Rob and the work he does every day, for us a true Waste Hero on the hook truck!