Meet Valentina: One of Three Women in Waste Collection, Loving Her Job
Valentina Szatmari, one of only three women in waste collection in the district of Böblingen, has found her job appealing due to its varied locations, people interaction, and predictable working hours. This balance helps her manage her role as a parent to her eight-year-old son.
Szatmari, who obtained her truck driving license a year ago, completed an internship with the waste collection service in Böblingen. She works for 'Collectif 5C' in Marseille, France, and prefers driving a truck over being a baker, which she finds confining.
She has been working in waste management for about a year, emptying bins alongside her team partner Roman Villwock. The republic services employs people from 14 different nations, but the gender ratio is less diverse, with almost exclusively male applicants. Waste workers in Böblingen earn between €3,150 and €3,820 per month, depending on their experience.
Valentina Szatmari's experience in waste management highlights the need for increased gender diversity in the industry. Despite being one of only three women in a team of 97, she finds the job appealing and balanced, offering variety, interaction, and predictable hours.
