Interview: Bulk Collection Driver, Paul
Paul is the bulk collection driver at Myatts Field North. You’ll see him driving the white van with the cage on the back, usually grinning from ear to ear.
This interview is the latest in a series of pieces we’re publishing to highlight the hardworking teams that keep everything here clean, tidy and working as it should.
Hello Paul, (centre below, flanked by two men from the grounds maintenance team) Tell us about yourself!
I live in Upper Norwood with my wife. I have two grown up children, and five grandkids. Outside of work, I go swimming in West Norwood, which helps with my diabetes. I just do my thing, I’m not trying to get to the Olympics!
I also walk a lot, from Brixton to Streatham, up Leigham Court Road and back to Norwood. It’s about 4-5 miles, my wife and I do it together.
How long have you worked here?
I used to work in Clapham, then Brixton and was then transferred down here. I’ve been with Pinnacle for 15 years. Mostly as a bulk driver, but as a cleaner for a while, while I had a leg injury and couldn’t drive. I start work at 7, and finish at 3pm. I start by picking up the boxes people don’t put into the pods, which go to the tip in Nine Elms. I don’t mind the early starts, I love my job, residents are friendly and I enjoy doing work for the community.
Even when I take holiday, I don’t take a lot of time off, just days here and there, but I did go to Jamaica three months ago and stayed in Montego Bay, a few yards from the sea.
Favourite parts of the job?
I love the driving! Getting away and having some time on my own is nice. Sometimes I have someone helping by I’m mostly by myself. I play my reggae CDs and heart radio so the traffic doesn’t bother me, what can you do?! I can’t jump over them like Knightrider.
Any downsides?
Not really, you know. If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t do it. When I go home, I talk to my wife about work, but she puts her headphones in!
What do you collect and when?
Fridges, chairs, pallets, anything that’s left outside the rubbish pods. If you’ve got something bulky to pick up, please call reception and we can come and get it. If we know in advance, it’s much easier for us to deal with.
