Town of Grafton bids adieu to its beloved garbageman

Longtime Town of Grafton garbage collector Jason Morgan will work his last route on Friday, May 1.

“The principle of garbage has changed, but me as a person hasn’t changed,” he said.

“It’s all about customer service and going the extra mile. At the end of the day, I’m just a garbageman.”

Morgan said he wanted to walk away quietly, but on Monday residents displayed signs and balloons along his route to recognize his years of service.

“People like him are one in a thousand, and we have been blessed to have been winners in that human lottery,” Town Chairman Lester Bartel said, noting he plans to present Morgan with a proclamation at next month’s Town Board meeting.

“Before he arrived, complaints about uncaring, rude or apathetic drivers were common. His dedication to personal service to the town has been a bright spot.” 

Morgan started in recycling collection in 2007 with Veolia Environmental Services, now known as Advanced Disposal. Morgan said he isn’t retiring and will work as a loader and operator for Advanced Disposal in West Bend.

During his 13-year tenure working in the town, Morgan said he has become well acquainted with residents and has seen them grow through good and bad times.

“I’ve seen houses burn down, couples divorce and pets die. I’ve seen people get married and then seen their children grow up,” he said. “I may not know the people by name, but I certainly recognize most of their faces.”

Through the years, Morgan noted, the garbage collection industry has shifted to a more automated approach, which placed limitations on what he could pick up, but he said he made sure all the items were disposed of.

Morgan said he has been lucky to work in a community like the Town of Grafton, where he is valued. Some other communities don’t realize his line of work is a vital asset.

“Sometimes people don’t realize that we have to fight through the elements to get basic necessities done for them and keep their household living,” he said.

“I really felt appreciated in Grafton, and it’s bittersweet to leave.”