Jay Thomas

Resource Recovery Facility Gate Attendant

I have been “keeper of the gate” at our Resource Recovery Facility for 23 years. I found this job through a Santa Cruz Sentinel ad in 1991 and have been happy here ever since. We are not a "dump" as we truly recover resources here!

I enjoy interfacing with customers. It’s gratifying to educate citizens on what they can recycle—especially the elementary school groups that visit. It’s fun putting the kids on our giant scale and letting them guess how much they weigh as a group. I also enjoy giving biscuit treats to our customers' canine companions.

My pastimes are the Giants, 49ers, grandkids, gardening and old-fashioned rock 'n' roll.