Collecting rubbish is a job that many people look down on.

It deals with dirt and is viewed with disdain. Yet without trash collectors our towns and cities would virtually drown in waste.

One man who has learned to find joy in picking up someone else’s rubbish is Savusavu Town Council employee, Iosefo Waqatabu.

Three years ago, with no formal education and low job prospects, rubbish collection became his lifeline.

It put food on the table, paid for his bills and today makes his happy.

“I love my job and it makes me happy, happy because it helped me survive when I needed a lifeline,” Iosefo said.

“With whatever little I earn, I am able to pay for my bills, buy food and take part in village, family and church activities.”

Iosefo’s job requires him to be an early bird.

By the time the small seaside town of Savusavu wakes up, he is already in full swing – jumping off the side of a green trash truck and removing garbage bins from the roadside. He works six days a week.

“I do a job that people look down on,” he said.

“When I started three years ago, I was shy and ashamed of the job I was doing, handling rubbish, flies and bad smell ”

“But as time went on, I decided to change my mindset and have pride in my work. Now, despite what people say and think of me, I know my work is crucial.”

“I don’t want to brag, but without rubbish collectors Savusavu town wouldn’t be clean, tidy and beautiful.”

Iosefo finds the attitude of some citizens and their lack of civic pride appalling. He says people should be educated on the impacts of their carelessness on the environment.

“I work from 6am to 4pm and have some breaks in between but it is amazing to note that there’s always rubbish.”

“I think people should change the way they treat the rubbish they create. I mean rubbish cannot be stopped but it should be disposed with some respect for the environment, the land and the sea.”

Iosefo believes that being a seaside town with an economy that depends on tourism, locals and the municipal council should work together.

He adds that no one should be shameful of their work if it pays for their bread and butter.

“Despite the dirt and smell I handle, I always tell myself that my job is very special,” he said.

“I also believe that no matter the type of job you’re given, you must do it to the best of your ability.”

Rubbish collectors in every town and city, like hardworking Iosefo, contribute to local economies, to public health and safety, and to environmental sustainability.

They need support and respect.

Iosefo is from Votua, Ba and resides in Savusavu with his wife, who hails from Urata Village. They have one child.