Press Release

Sudden Death of a Young Employee Saddens Waste Management Community
Company Reaches out For Contributions to Family Fund


Santa Clarita, California – January 31, 2006 – Pablo Meza, 33, a driver’s assistant for Waste Management/Blue Barrel Disposal passed away suddenly on Friday, January 20th, leaving behind his wife Guadalupe and three young children, Vanessa 12, Pablo Jr. 9, and Isabelle 2. Employees at Waste Management felt shock and grief at the news over the loss of a valuable employee and dedicated friend. He had worked for Santa Clarita Disposal for four years and when Waste Management acquired the company in 1999, he stayed on with WM. To address the Meza family’s immediate needs, Waste Management has established the “Pablo Meza Family” fund, and asks the community to join the drivers of Waste Management/Blue Barrel, Waste Management of Antelope Valley, and Waste Management of Sun Valley in sending contributions. WM will match all employee donations through February 3rd.

Close friend and coworker Fernando Jimenez remembers Meza fondly. “The example that Pablo Meza set as a friend, co-worker, and a man will never be forgotten. He treated everyone he came in contact with respect and kindness," Jimenez said.

Meza passed away in his sleep after complaining of tiredness earlier in the week. The cause of death was determined to be a heart attack. The wake took place on Sunday, January 29th at Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster followed by the funeral service on Monday, January 30th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lancaster. WM presented flowers and picture boards at the wake with condolences from all of the drivers, supervisors, and office staff from Blue Barrel to Meza’s wife, mother, and brother.

Contributions for the Meza family can be made in cash at the office or by check payable to the Pablo Meza Family Fund and mailed to:

Waste Management / Blue Barrel Disposal
Pablo Meza Family Fund
25772 Springbrook Road
Saugus, CA 91350


For more information, please call Amy Wiese, Recycling Compliance Manager at (661) 753-5260.

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