Empowering Local Environmental Stewards: An Exclusive Q&A with Rod Hankinson

Rod Hankinson is set to retire this April after an impressive 36 years at the Washington Department of Ecology. He has made a big impact by hiring and guiding around 2,000 teens through the Ecology Youth Corps in Central Washington.

This program employs 14- to 17-year-olds each summer to help keep highways clean by picking up litter. Rod’s journey began in Moxee, where he grew up. He graduated with a teaching degree from Central Washington University in 1983. After a couple of years as a substitute teacher, he took a job with the Department of Transportation, working on bridge projects near Bellevue. But in 1989, he found his true calling at the Department of Ecology, the same year curbside recycling started in the state.

Known as “The Garbage Man,” he taught kids about recycling through fun, interactive lessons, including writing and performing rap songs. In 1999, he took charge of the regional litter program, continuing his mission to educate and inspire young people.

What do you love most about working with kids?

It’s all about their growth. I love seeing how much they change. This year alone, I’ve written 20 recommendations for young workers who’ve put in hard work during the summer. I focus on teamwork; these kids aren’t just employees; they are young individuals with hopes and dreams trying to find their place in the world.

They need structure. When they see that they can show up on time and work hard, it builds their confidence. They realize, “Hey, I can do this!” And when they get that paycheck, it’s empowering. They might face teasing for picking up litter, but I promise they’ll feel proud with money in their pockets.

How do you want people to remember your time at Ecology?

I hope folks remember me as someone who truly cared for the kids I worked with. My goal was to help them gain a foothold in life, just as someone helped me when I was young. I remember applying for a job back in ’75 and not getting it despite my accomplishments; that motivated me to succeed.

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of hiring kids whose parents worked for me in the past. It warms my heart when a parent mentions their experience, saying, “Rod, my kid is working for you now!” It reassures me that I’ve done something right.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve found on the side of the road?

We’ve come across all sorts of odd things. Once, while checking on a crew, a young woman dug up a Krugerrand – a gold coin! She ended up selling it for $400, which shows how long ago it was; now that would be worth a lot more.

On another occasion, we found what looked like human hands on the road, which turned out to be skinned bear hands! You can imagine my surprise, but it was a relief to find out it wasn’t a crime scene.

What comes next for you?

I’m looking forward to spending quality time with my grandkids, ages 1 and 4. Camping, fishing, and just being outdoors with them sounds perfect. My wife and I have also been enjoying our garden and making homemade goodies like jams and pickles. It’s a joy to explore these new hobbies in this next chapter of our lives.

Although I will miss working with the youth, I’m ready for this new adventure. It’s rewarding to run into former students who tell me they don’t litter anymore; it really shows the impact we’ve made.

For anyone interested in the Ecology Youth Corps program, you can find more info on the Ecology website at ecology.wa.gov.