(Editor’s Note: The following letter was received prior to the City Council vote on Monday.)

I live in Renton and work for Waste Management as a residential yard waste driver. I’ve been with the company for 10 years.

I live in a condo in Renton. There is never any trash laying around our container, it is so clean. The trucks are so quiet and quick, I don’t even know when they are there. I don’t want to lose my driver. I’d be worried about maintaining our current level of service. I like consistency.

Waste Management has been in Renton for so long. WM is a big part of the community. WM is always at Renton River Days. You keep something like WM in a stable community. Why change? Especially if Republic is more expensive. WM is better quality at a better cost.

When I first started working at Waste Management, it was just a job. But now, it’s more than that. It’s a good company to work for. I love providing customer service and talking with my customers. I know all my customers. They come out and talk to me.

Each year in December, I dress up as Santa on my route. Eight years ago in December, I woke up and thought, “I should dress like Santa today. I bet my customers would like that.” And they did. It makes everyone happy. I wore the Santa suite for the entire week during my route.

The next year, my customers starting asking me “Where’s Santa?” So, I went out and bought a new Santa costume. I had trouble finding a durable costume, so I asked my mom to make me a one. I’ve been wearing that same suit for four years.

The best part about being Santa is seeing the little kids and the smiles on their faces. I pass out candy canes. They get so excited! They like seeing Santa pick up the trash. Their parents have just as much fun! I attached a photo of me and some kids.

Please keep Waste Management in Renton. We are a great company.

Nic Greer,
Renton