Three generations of ‘George’ highlight CABQ Solid Waste’s family legacies

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — There’s no ‘George’-ing around in the City of Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Department – unless you’re the Wyler family whose three generations of George highlight how the department is somewhat of a family business.

The first George – George Wyler – is retired and is turning 81 in August. The elder George spent decades at the department and he has some stories to show for it.

“I got bit by a dog one time on my elbow,” George Wyler said as he laughed.

You can credit him for getting the Wyler men into working for the city.

“I was a kid in kindergarten and everyone was supposed to draw drawings of what they wanted to do when they grew up. People were drawing firemen, policemen, doctors and I chose to be a garbage man, so that’s what I drew,” George Wyler Jr. said.

George Jr. is also retired and, like his dad, he ended up a supervisor.

“When I was a driver, I was known for having the cleanest vehicle in the fleet because I wanted to change the image of the dirty garbage man,” George Jr said. “See, my son is doing the same thing. I’m proud of him because there’s nothing to be ashamed of in this job.”

George Wyler III is currently in a pre-management program as he follows in his dad and granddad’s footsteps. Like his dad, he also has a spotless truck.

“That’s my baby. It’s the beauty pageant queen of solid waste,” George III said.

All three of them are thankful for this job as it’s allowed them to provide for their families.

“You have jobs that cut in and out but the trash never sleeps never rests, you know? So we’re needed 24/7,” George III said. “I just want to thank these two men for everything that they’ve done for me.”

The Wyler family isn’t the only multi-generational family here, either. The Garcias have also spent more than a decade here.

“I drove for 15 years and was offered another opportunity to become the safety specialist – so I chose to do that and that’s pretty much what I’m doing right now,” William Garcia said.

His son, Eddie, is now a collections supervisor.

“I always liked big things – trucks, machines, all that stuff,” Eddie Garcia said. “I was always just drawn toward them.”

“This is my son, Rocco. Rocco Edward Garcia, for career day at the beginning of the school year, chose that he wanted to be a solid waste driver and eventually be a supervisor just like me. It’s kind of like a family business,” Eddie said.

The Garcias, like the Wylers, hope more people will consider working with them.

“I’m very proud of my son,” William said.

“It provides for your family. It’s provided for my family for many years and I’m lucky that it’s going to continue providing for my family so it’s a great job,” Eddie said.

More men than women work at CABQ’s Solid Waste Department but they hope to change that. Coming up Tuesday morning, we will highlight the women leading the department.