Yes, I Jumped in Dumpsters—And Other Lessons on How I Built a Career in Sustainability

Over the years, I’ve been asked one question more than almost any other—from students, professionals, even strangers at conferences:

“How did you get into this field?”
“…And wait, did you really dive into dumpsters?”

Let me clear that up: I didn’t just dive—I jumped.

If you’re wondering how to become a circularity expert, waste guru, or full-on sustainability badass, I won’t pretend there’s one path. But I can tell you what worked for me—and what I looked for when I was hiring.

First, a Little Street Cred

When I say I know waste and circularity, I mean all of it. Solid waste. Hazardous waste. Construction debris. Chemical compliance. You name it—I’ve probably dug through it.

I’ve spent 27 years in this field, and let me tell you—Eric B. and Rakim said it best:
“I ain’t no joke.”

What Helped Me Succeed?

Let’s rewind a bit. Back in the day, I took courses in:

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Environmental regulations

That foundation helped me speak the language of sustainability: terms, definitions, frameworks. I could navigate RCRA, understand EU by-product regs, infrastructure and wrap my head around reporting requirements. Not sexy—but absolutely essential.

But here’s the truth: degrees alone didn’t get me where I am.

Getting My Hands Dirty (Literally)

Success came from saying “yes” to the work others avoided:

• Taking meeting minutes

• Walking job sites in 110° Arizona heat

• Sampling wastewater from 35 feet underground

• Showing up on the night shift with pizza to talk with operators and walk the rounds with them

I didn’t just sit at a desk—I walked the site and waste streams. From point of generation to disposal, I wanted to see it all: how it moved, who touched it, where it ended up.

What I Looked for When Hiring

If you want to thrive in this space, ask yourself:

• Do you actually understand the regulations?

• Can you apply science and engineering to solve messy, real-world problems?

• Are you willing to get out in the field—climb a dumpster, pull a night shift, lend a hand when it’s inconvenient?

• Can you collaborate, laugh, and fit with a team?

Technical knowledge matters. But so does attitude. I wanted people who were curious, humble, and ready to roll up their sleeves. People that can get along with people.

Field First, Desk Second

If you’re just starting out, here’s one of the best pieces of advice I can give:

Get out of the office.

Seriously. Go into the field. Watch, listen, walk the line, talk to the people doing the work. That’s how you develop real insight—and credibility.

You don’t need to know everything. You do need to be willing to ask questions, learn from others, and admit when you’re out of your depth.

Final Thought

Humility, curiosity, and a little grit will take you a long way in environmental work. I’ve never claimed to be the smartest person in the room—but I’ve learned from a lot of people who are.  As Operation Ivy once said: “All I know is that I don't know nothing.”

So yeah, I jumped in dumpsters. But more importantly, I learned a lot. That’s what made the difference.