Recology Dixon participated in the Dixon May Fair on May 10, earning first-place in two categories. The organization has an exclusive franchise agreement with the City of Dixon for street sweeping and garbage collection services. Williams said that Dixonites can ensure safe waste collection by placing totes three feet from each other and five feet from cars. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Tommy Williams has lived in Dixon for 66 years and worked in waste management for 33 years.

During this time, Williams worked for Recology for a collective 27 years. The final 17 years of his career were spent as a residential route driver in Dixon. According to Williams, the job required “a lot of man-hours but was rewarding in the long run.”

“I was a driver here in Dixon for 17 years, going from house to house picking up garbage. It’s a lot of hours but they take care of you at Recology. Great benefits, great people, they even had employee appreciation dinners and luncheons where they served tri-tip, burgers, stuff like that,” said Williams.

In April 2022, Williams retired from Recology after having a series of surgeries replacing both knees, his hip and his shoulder, as well as getting a plate in his neck. Williams has remained active in retirement, working out every day.

“I work out every day; I take care of myself,” said Williams. “I used to know just about everyone around here because of my route, so I enjoy helping them out when I can.”

Tommy Williams has lived in Dixon for 66 years and worked in waste management for 33 years. During this time, Williams worked for Recology for a collective 27 years but the final 17 years of his career were spent as a residential route driver in Dixon. Photo by Kendall Brown

Williams has lived in Dixon his entire life. Three generations of his family have graduated from Dixon High School, including Williams’ mother and his two children. Williams’s son is 35 and is a dog groomer, moonlighting in landscaping in Idaho. Williams’ daughter is 31 and lives in Alaska as a tattoo artist. Williams’s uncle, Red Merritt, used to own Frosty’s.

“Like I said, years ago, I used to know everyone but now Dixon has gotten so big,” said Williams.

According to the City of Dixon website, Recology Dixon has an exclusive franchise agreement with the city to perform street sweeping and collect garbage, curbside recycling and organics. So Williams has several tips for efficient waste disposal.

“Just make sure your garbage cans are spread out so the grabbers can get them. Toters should be three feet from any objects, including other toters, and around five feet from cars. Make sure lids are facing the street, not sideways or toward your house. You can also mix some food waste with your hard waste. They grind it all up and make mulch anyway,” said Williams.

For more information, visit recology.com/recology-dixon/ or call 707-678-4026.