Beyond the bin

Kalin Knobles may be new to Environmental Utilities’ Waste Services Division, but she has already jumped in with both feet. After working in commercial and residential property management, she recently began a new chapter with the City of Roseville and has quickly embraced the opportunity to support residents and her team.

In her first few weeks on the job, Kalin’s days have focused on learning the operation and helping wherever she can.

“I help assist my team members any way I can in these early stages, even tracking down information,” she said.

One of her favorite moments so far has been receiving a Waste Services swag bag. “Who doesn’t love a good hat?” Kalin said with a laugh.

As she continues learning the ins and outs of the division, she has been impressed by the size and scope of the services provided to the community.

“People may not realize how large the Waste Services Department is and how many different programs are available to help City residents,” she said.

Kalin appreciates Roseville’s strong sense of community, something she noticed after making the city her home.

“I really appreciate how much Roseville cares about its residents,” she said. “There are always activities and programs available for people of all ages and interests.”

As a proud Roseville resident, Kalin enjoys spending her free time with family, watching UFC, attending car shows with her son, and cooking at home. She also enjoys exploring local amenities, including the Soccer Complex Playground and the City’s themed parks with her family.

“I’m excited to be part of a team that serves the community every day,” she said. “It’s rewarding to help support programs that make a difference for Roseville residents.”

For more than 26 years, Jeffrey Vogel Sr. has been a part of Environmental Utilities’ Waste Services Division, bringing decades of industry experience and leadership to the team. His career in waste and recycling spans approximately 35 years, including time with Waste Management, C&L Disposal, and McClellan Air Force Base before joining the City of Roseville.

As a Refuse Supervisor, Jeff's days are focused on supporting operations and employees. His responsibilities include daily scheduling, reviewing leave requests, coordinating safety training, managing data entry, and conducting field observations to help keep crews working safely and efficiently.

One of the highlights of his career came early on.

“My favorite moment was the day I was hired as a permanent employee,” Jeff said.

Jeff says the City of Roseville has provided opportunities for growth throughout his career, but what stands out most is the people.

“The opportunities that I’ve been afforded throughout my career have been incredible,” he said. “And I know this sounds cliché, but I love the people that I work with.”

A longtime Roseville resident, Jeff enjoys spending his free time golfing, fishing, watching sports, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.

After more than two decades of service to the Roseville community, Jeff has one thing on his mind when asked what he would like to add.

“Retirement!” he said with a laugh.

Meet Cody Lindner, Refuse Truck Driver II

For the past seven years, Cody Lindner has been part of Environmental Utilities’ Waste Services Division, helping keep Roseville clean one route at a time. What started as a new career path has become a meaningful way to serve the community he grew up in and still calls home.

Cody’s day starts with checking the route schedule, reviewing any extra route information, and inspecting his truck to make sure it is ready for the day. Once everything looks good, he heads out to begin his route.

After completing his route, Cody checks to see if anyone else needs help before returning to the yard, where he cleans his truck and gets it ready for the next day.

For Cody, one of the most memorable parts of the job was to drive with his daughter in his garbage truck for the holiday parade in 2025.

“I like seeing people get excited to see bigger things crushed in our trucks,” Cody said.

He also says people may not realize just how much material drivers collect each week.

“A residential driver will pick up about 4,500 residential cans in a week,” he said.

Cody enjoys working for the City of Roseville because of his connection to the community.

 

“I grew up in Roseville and have always loved the community,” he said.

 

Outside of work, Cody enjoys spending time with family and playing golf. As both a Roseville resident and City employee, he takes pride in being part of the team that serves the community every day.

Since joining Environmental Utilities’ Waste Services Division in November 2024, Angel Pacheco has enjoyed learning the ins and outs of a new side of the trucking industry. While he had several years of driving experience before coming to Roseville, waste collection was a completely new challenge.

Today, Angel typically operates a front loader route, servicing between 95 and 100 bins each day while helping keep local businesses and neighborhoods clean.

One of his proudest moments came when he officially became a full-time member of the team.

“Becoming a full-time employee after being a temp was definitely a favorite moment,” Angel said.

Although many people see collection trucks every day, Angel says the equipment is often less complicated than people might think.

“People think our trucks are very complex,” he said. “But once you see them operate for a little bit, they’re actually pretty simple.”

For Angel, one of the best parts of the job is getting to spend his days serving the community in Roseville.

“I like just being in Roseville every day,” he said.

Outside of work, Angel enjoys spending time with his wife and relaxing when he's off the clock. While he commutes about 45 minutes from Yuba City each day, he appreciates the opportunity to be part of the Waste Services team and the work they do for the community.

“I’m grateful to be part of the team,” he said. “It’s been a great experience learning something new and growing in the role.”

Steven Perez found an unexpected new career when he joined Environmental Utilities’ Waste Services Division. After working in retail at Nordstrom, he made the switch to waste services and has embraced the opportunity to serve the community in a completely different way.

As a Refuse Truck Driver I, Steven starts his day early. He arrives at the yard before sunrise, completes a pre-trip inspection of his truck, and heads out to begin his route.

One of his favorite parts of the job happens when he drives past local schools.

“My favorite moment is when we’re coming up to a school and all of the kids are excited to see us,” Steven said.

While many people see collection trucks every week, Steven says there is a lot more to the job than most realize.

“Something people may not know is how much timing matters,” he said. “The amount of time you have to dump each bin and how every minute affects when you finish your route.”

Steven enjoys the independence that comes with the work and appreciates the supportive culture within the division.

“This is something I’ve never done before, but I really enjoy it,” he said. “The people I work with are great, and everyone gets along really well.”

Outside of work, Steven enjoys spending time with family, drag racing at Sonoma Raceway when he gets the chance, and relaxing at home here in Roseville.

“I’m glad I made the career change,” he said. “It’s been a great opportunity to learn something new while serving the community.”

Larry Reyes has dedicated 19 years to Waste Services. In his current role as Senior Refuse Truck Driver, Larry is making a significant contribution through his expertise and leadership. Larry starts his day early, preparing paperwork and routing for the drivers to ensure a smooth operation. He oversees the routes throughout the day, handles service calls, and ensures that all tasks are completed safely and efficiently.

Larry's work involves extensive interaction with residents across Roseville, fostering appreciation and joy, particularly among children who delight in the spectacle of the trucks. He cherishes the relationships he has built with his colleagues, describing his work environment as diverse and cooperative, with everyone committed to the mission.

Larry recalls a heartwarming customer interaction: organizing a special birthday drive-by for a young fan. Coordinating with his team, Larry managed to rally eight trucks to surprise the child with a celebratory honk parade right outside his home. The trucks left behind toys and unforgettable smiles, truly making it a memorable day for the young boy.

Larry dreams of owning a second home in Baja Mexico, where he can relax and enjoy life at a slower pace with his family there.

For the past 10 years, Amy Easky has been the friendly, capable voice behind the scenes at Environmental Utilities’ Waste Services Division. With a background in admin work for HVAC contractors, she brought strong customer service and dispatch skills and quickly became an essential part of the team.

Her typical day includes emails, phone calls, radio dispatches, work orders, bin repairs, route adjustments, data entry, and coordinating with other departments when drivers spot emergencies.

“The best part is I get to talk trash all day,” Amy said. “And I know I’ve helped someone by the end of it.”

She especially likes when residents call to say thank you, noting there is a lot going on behind the scenes and being appreciated when that effort is recognized.

Amy also loves educating others, such as the difference between electric and electronic waste.

“A curling iron can go in the trash, but a broken tablet is e-waste, and we’ll pick it up for free,” she said.

She values the team culture at the City of Roseville, where everyone works together to serve the community. She finds there is a real willingness to listen and improve at every level.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys family time, watching her son’s bowling league, chasing around her 15-month-old daughter, planning beach trips, and cheering on the Giants, Kings, River Cats, and Sac Republic.

“I’m proud to be part of a team that keeps Roseville running clean and smooth,” she said. “Trash shouldn’t be stressful and we work hard to make sure it never is.”

Clayton Spell first joined the City of Roseville as a temporary employee in 2008. By 2012, he had secured a full-time role and has been behind the wheel of a residential garbage and green waste truck ever since.
Starting fresh in a completely new career, Clayton quickly found his stride in waste services. Today, he’s a Senior Refuse Truck Driver, serving neighborhoods throughout Roseville with consistency and pride.
One of his standout memories is helping out at the City’s Big Truck Summer event.
“It was great connecting with families and showing kids the trucks up close,” he said.
Clayton is also quick to note something many residents don’t realize: “We work every holiday. Rain or shine, the job has to get done.”
What keeps him going? “The schedule, the benefits, and the people I work with,” he said. “It’s a solid team.”
When he’s off the clock, Clayton enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. A proud Roseville resident, he appreciates being able to serve the community he calls home.

After starting his City of Roseville career as a construction inspector, Dan Lombardi took a new path with Environmental Utilities’ Waste Services Division. He began as a maintenance worker, promoted to refuse driver, then shifted into a new role as a field enforcement inspector, helping local restaurants and grocery stores understand and follow Roseville’s organics recycling rules.

While “enforcement” is in his title, Dan’s quick to point out that most of his job is about education and outreach. He works closely with businesses and residents to help them stay in compliance and better understand available services, keeping citations as a last resort.

One of Dan’s favorite career highlights? Being featured in Roseville Life magazine after a young boy nominated him as his “hidden hero.”

A Roseville resident himself, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, and their dogs. He’s also a proud member of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), an organization that supports and empowers children who have experienced abuse.

Dan’s favorite part of his (over) 14 years with Waste Services is the community connection. Whether he’s talking organics compliance or helping at a Big Truck event, he’s proud to make a difference.

“Roseville has been a great place to establish a career,” Dan said. “I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had here.”

Derek Roe is a Senior Refuse Truck Driver, where he has had a significant impact for ten years. Every day, Derek enjoys the freedom of driving around Roseville, interacting with the community at various stops from the bustling Galleria Mall to vital wastewater treatment plants and energy parks. His workday is filled with meaningful interactions, especially with kids at the cardboard recycling sites, where he enjoys handing out stickers and sharing smiles.

The teamwork within his department stands out to Derek, where everyone works cohesively even though they operate different vehicles. This synergy helps them accomplish their tasks efficiently and safely – a crucial aspect of their work, given the inherent dangers of handling heavy machinery on busy roads.

Some of Derek’s fondest memories are from his visits to Roseville Montessori, where the excitement of the children and teachers, evident in their cheers and high fives, highlighted the community's appreciation for his service putting a smile on his face every time.

Through his daily efforts, Derek Roe demonstrates the essential role of Environmental Utilities in building community and enhancing the safety of public spaces.

Beyond his duties, Derek is dedicated to coaching his sons' baseball teams, instilling in them the values of teamwork and safety. His commitment extends beyond his professional life, shaping the next generation on and off the field.

After a career in communications, Jonathan Ale took a new path and joined the City of Roseville’s Waste Services team just nine months ago. Now, he’s behind the wheel of a refuse truck, safely and efficiently servicing over 100 commercial front loader dumpsters each day.

One surprise? “I thought the arms were automated, but we actually control the arms and forks during every lift,” Jonathan said. “A full truck can weigh up to 60,000 pounds.”

Though the work can feel unseen, Jonathan says a simple “thank you” from a customer goes a long way.

“It’s always a satisfying feeling to be appreciated for what we do,” he said.

He’s grateful for the benefits that support his family and the work-life balance that lets him enjoy dinner every night with his wife, something he hadn’t experienced before. He also helps coach his kids’ football team, the Casa Roble Rams, and finds time for basketball and lifting weights.

As part of the surrounding community, Jonathan’s excited for the future with the City.

“I’m looking forward to growing with this team and building a career here,” he said.

Since joining the City of Roseville in 2002, Dean Hernandez has been a steady, reliable presence in the Waste Services Division. But his journey in the waste industry began well before that, back in 1989 with Waste Management in Sacramento, where he gained experience operating commercial front loaders and other industry vehicles.

Each day starts early for Dean. He’s up by 5:20 a.m. and on the job by 6:00. By 6:45, he’s rolling out of the gate, and by 7:00, he’s already picking up residential cans—typically 700 to 800 each day over two loads. He returns to the yard around 2:00 p.m., completes his post-route checks and maintenance, and finishes up by about 2:30.

Dean has been recognized for his dedication and safe driving, earning a five-year safety award at Waste Management and a Pride of Roseville award during his time with the City. But it’s the community connection that truly stands out.

“People love their garbagemen,” Dean said. “Especially little kids. To them, we’re superheroes. I think it’s really the truck they love, but we’ll take it.”

When he’s not behind the wheel, Dean enjoys home improvement projects, baseball (go Dodgers!), and collecting old first edition books. Lately, his perfect day includes a beach chair, a good book, some snacks, and a cold drink.

A proud Roseville resident just five minutes from the yard, Dean is looking forward to retirement next year. He’s grateful for the friendships, memories, and championship softball games along the way.

Ryan Ballardo is a Senior Refuse Truck Driver, bringing five years of dedicated service to the streets of Roseville, his hometown. Ryan takes pride in keeping his community clean, a task he views as crucial, given the community's daily dependence on utility services. His routes often include managing commercial waste from local businesses, restaurants, and apartment complexes, involving meticulous operations like handling 20,000 pounds of waste per load and ensuring his truck is immaculately maintained.

Ryan’s commitment to cleanliness is matched by his camaraderie with coworkers, which he counts among his favorite aspects of the job. This sense of teamwork and mutual support is vital in a role that sees him leading a team of eight total routes, six garbage and two cardboard routes, each averaging about 100-120 dumpsters daily. One of the less visible aspects of his job, yet astounding, is the sheer volume of trash collected: up to 60,000 pounds on a busy day, equivalent to the weight of three empty school buses!

Ryan especially cherishes moments when he interacts with children at his stops, sharing stickers and enjoying their cheers. These interactions underscore the community connection that Ryan values deeply, making every day rewarding and fulfilling.

Outside of work, Ryan is passionate about his family, with whom he enjoys camping and spending time on the lake. His leisure activities reflect his dedication to maintaining a clean, vibrant community environment.

Paul Calip plays a crucial role as a Refuse Maintenance Worker, where he has been enhancing the functionality and safety in Waste Services for the past five years. Paul's responsibilities are dynamic, with his weekdays filled with varying tasks, from delivering temporary bins and transporting commercial bins to conducting field repairs.

Paul relishes being out in the field and engaging directly with customers, which he finds highly rewarding. He's a vital member of the maintenance division, a close-knit team where camaraderie thrives and everyone is vigilant about each other's safety and well-being. This supportive atmosphere allows Paul to tackle diverse daily challenges confidently and efficiently.

Paul likes to emphasize the importance of proper disposal practices in his job. He educates the public about the potential hazards improper trash disposal can pose to sanitation workers.

Paul frequently receives positive feedback from residents who appreciate his dedication to maintaining high standards in waste management. These interactions reinforce the value of his work and motivate him to continue providing excellent service.

Beyond his professional life, Paul is passionate about fitness. He loves leading group boot camps and helping others achieve their health goals. This dedication to community wellness parallels his commitment to his work.

Anthony Norris-Silva has been a dedicated Refuse Truck Driver for the past three years. Starting his workday early at 6:30 a.m., Anthony engages with coworkers to discuss the day's plan, which he values deeply. He notes the supportive and collaborative culture of his department. Everyone looks out for each other, enhancing the work environment through mutual assistance.
Anthony's typical day is rigorous and rewarding. After a pre-inspection of his truck, he embarks on his route, where he interacts closely with customers and team members. Following his runs, which include both commercial and residential areas, he meticulously cleans and inspects his truck, ensuring it's in prime condition for the next day. He also checks on other drivers, offering help where needed—a testament to the department's teamwork culture.
A favorite moment in Anthony’s career occurs regularly at Blue Oaks Elementary School, where he’s become a familiar face. The enthusiastic cheers and waves from the students always brighten his day, reminding him of the positive impact his work has on the community.
Serving in the Marine Corps Reserve, Anthony balances his military commitments with his role in Waste Services, demonstrating his dedication and discipline. His work is physically demanding and involves significant manual labor, such as moving and opening gates during commercial stops.