Oakland Scavengers History

Welcome to the Oakland Scavenger Company History Site

Discover the rich legacy of the Oakland Scavenger Company, a pioneering waste management enterprise with roots going back to 1894. This site celebrates the journey of Italian immigrants who arrived in America with dreams of a new life and, through hard work, established an iconic company that became an essential part of Oakland’s history. Explore our history, view images, and learn about the people who helped build a community and a thriving business from the ground up.

Our Story

Starting as individual scavengers collecting waste with horses and wagons, these early entrepreneurs banded together, forming the Scavenger Protective Union in 1894. Over the years, the company grew in scale and sophistication, facing challenges like the Spanish flu pandemic, World War II labor shortages, and environmental regulations. Despite adversity, the Oakland Scavenger Company innovated, expanded, and thrived, eventually becoming one of the top private waste management companies in the nation before joining Waste Management in 1986.

A Glimpse into Our Past

An early era garbage man holding his can getting ready to leave the truck to pick up trash.

An early garbage man preparing to pick up trash.

Several early era scavengers and their cans.

Several early scavengers and their garbage cans.

An early truck fully loaded with garbage.

Several garbage men pose for a picture in front of their truck.

Garbage men posing in front of their truck.

4 early era garbage men pose for a picture on their truck.

Four garbage men posing on their truck.

Explore Further

Dive deeper into our story by visiting our History page, where you can learn about key figures, historical challenges, and milestones that shaped the Oakland Scavenger Company. Our gallery offers a visual journey through the evolution of waste management, the dedication of our employees, and the innovations that kept Oakland clean and thriving.

Learn About Our History See Our Photo Gallery