The job hunt is underway for some employees of Eastman Recycling Services as operations wind down. 

Long-time employee Michael Kehler looks back on his 27 years with fond memories. 

“It was a very good career,” he says. “I had lots of friends that I made there, and wonderful bosses. One of my bosses was the one that got me the job at recycling was my Uncle Jake. He was my boss for 16 of my 27 years.” 

His uncle has since passed away and Kehler wonders if this closure was something his Uncle Jake would have expected. 

Early this year, in January, enVision announced that it would end recycling operations by the end of 2022.  

The building has since been sold and municipalities have found other contractors to continue the recycling services. 

Kehler says some of his colleagues probably saw this happening, but the news of the closure came as a surprise to him.

Michael Kehler standing in front of an Eastman Recycling truck.Michael Kehler was an employee at Eastman Recycling Services from July 3,1995 to October 28, 2022. He is balancing mixed emotions of ending a lengthy career while looking forward to starting a new career. Kehler hopes he will soon find a new employer. (Photo submitted)

October 28th was Kehler’s last day as an employee with Eastman Recycling. 

He appreciates the kindness shown by people in the communities he worked in. 

“The biggest joys was being on the truck,” he says. “And when I went to each community, they're always there, smiling, waving at us, wanting to honk the horn. And it was excitement that brought me joy every day that I was on the truck.” 

Kehler has already started job hunting with hopes of finding the next place to dedicate his time and energy.