For Milwaukee sanitation worker Derek Hoppe, the job is more than just a routine; it’s almost meditative. Whether he's soaking up fresh air while collecting garbage cans or finding intense focus behind the wheel of a snowplow, Derek finds a rhythm that makes the hours fly by. Longtime friends, Charlie sits down with Derek this week to dig into the world of municipal sanitation. From the most bizarre discoveries on his route to serious fire hazards caused by household batteries, Derek reveals the highs, the lows, and the deeply rewarding parts of his job. Whether you’re considering a career in public works or simply wondering what really happens to your trash, this episode pulls back the curtain on the essential work that keeps Milwaukee moving.

Visit milwaukee.gov/jobs to see available public works jobs in the city of Milwaukee. For more information on what can and cannot be recycled in Milwaukee, head to milwaukeerecycles.com. 

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