Republic Services showcases top talent in waste and recycling at 2025 ROAD-EO competition
The event recognizes the company’s skilled drivers, equipment operators, and technicians through a series of friendly competitions
Republic Services, Inc. shared the winners of its 2025 ROAD-EO National Championship. Held every two years in Phoenix, the event recognizes the company's skilled collection drivers, equipment operators, and technicians across North America.
This year's competition brought together 107 finalists from 36 states and the province of Ontario showcasing their expertise in 10 competition categories. The ROAD-EO National Championship highlights the exceptional talent, dedication, and safety performance of Republic Services employees.
Challenges for truck drivers
Republic Services collection truck drivers competed in one of five categories — Small Container, Rear-Load, Side-Load, Large Container, and, new for 2025, Vac Truck — operators had to navigate a timed course with challenges such as parallel parking, alley backing, and a serpentine segment.
The following competitors were named winners of the truck driver categories:
- Ron Torrez; Commerce City, Colorado; Small Container
- CJ Hines; Sandusky, Ohio; Rear-Load
- Eduardo Lopez; Chula Vista, California; Side-Load
- Geno Rushing; Bridgeton, Missouri; Large Container
- Eddy Ramos; Baltimore, Maryland; Vac Truck
Equipment operators took the stage
Equipment operators competed in the Bulldozer, Wheel Loader, and the Forklift categories, demonstrating their ability to maneuver through precision obstacle courses and complete skill-based challenges.
This year's equipment operator champions are:
- David Muns; Las Vegas, Nevada; Bulldozer
- Steve Smutnik; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Wheel Loader
- Tyler Barnett; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Forklift
Technicians showed off crucial skills
Technicians competed in the Collection and Post-Collection categories, where they were given just 10 minutes to diagnose 10 maintenance issues on a truck or bulldozer.
The 2025 technician winners are:
- Conrad Lacanlale; Milpitas, California; Collection Technician
- Joe Schubert; Chicago, Illinois; Post-Collection Technician
Several of this year's winners are multiyear ROAD-EO finalists. CJ Hines and David Muns each won their categories at the 2023 National Championship, then defended their titles in 2025. Geno Rushing and Conrad Lacanlale were finalists in 2023, then returned to win this year.
Republic Services celebrates employee dedication
To qualify for the ROAD-EO National Championship, competitors had to win local and regional competitions and maintain a perfect safety record. In addition to bragging rights, winners received cash prizes and additional days of paid time off. All competitors were treated to an expenses-paid trip for two to Phoenix, including luxury accommodations, hosted dinners and activities, and more.
"Safety is our top priority at Republic Services," said Gregg Brummer, chief operating officer. "The ROAD-EO National Championship is a celebration of our frontline drivers, operators, and technicians. Their expertise and commitment to safety are what make Republic an industry leader, and we are extremely proud to recognize the best-of-the-best."
