Sebastian Mejias, born and raised in Gravesend, Brooklyn, seamlessly integrates two roles: that of a New York City sanitation worker, and an avid photographer. He navigates the streets of the city with his film camera, capturing everyday scenes on his route and his love of DSNY. Currently, Sebastian serves on Brooklyn Community Board 5, representing areas like East New York, Cypress, Spring Creek, Starrett City, Gateway, and Highland Park.

All photographs captured by Sebastian Mejias

Only NY: Could you share a bit about yourself, and how you came to pick up a camera?

Sebastian: Hey, I’m Sebastian. I grew up in Gravesend, Brooklyn. I’ve been an NYC Sanitation worker in East New York for about 3 years now. I first picked up a camera in high school. Some of my closest friends were in photography class and they let me play around with their cameras.

Only NY: You have a unique perspective being a DSNY sanitation worker and photographer. How has your experience working in sanitation shaped your photography work?

Sebastian: Thank you. I feel like my perspective really came from my experience as a dog walker in midtown. I carried a little point and shoot walking the same routes early in the morning and sometimes late at night, which is very similar to what I do now in sanitation.

Only NY: Your work seems to pull back the curtain of what it's like at the DSNY. What should everyday New Yorkers know about New York's Strongest?

Sebastian: Don’t hate us if you’re stuck behind us!
We’re only trying to get home in one piece by the end of the day. I don’t think people realize how dangerous the job can be. From nut job drivers trying to squeeze around us, to mystery objects in trash bags that could end our day early. It’s almost inevitable that we get cut by something sharp stashed in people’s garbage bags. Some get slashed pretty bad and others are lucky enough to only have to stay home for a couple days, like I did. People are really reckless with how they throw stuff out.

Only NY: What do you love most about being a Sanitation worker? And maybe also what's your least favorite part?

Sebastian: The camaraderie. I’ve made over a hundred friends ever since I started the job. I love that everyone has crazy stories to tell, too. Like how John Gotti’s brother used to play poker in the very room that my locker is in.
My least favorite part, as one could guess, is dealing with rodents and little critters. There’ve been plenty of times where huge rats have jumped at me or crawled on my back when emptying a can they were hanging out in. But nothing is worse than the little critters from hell, maggots. In the summer they come out heavy. You can tell there’s a pile of maggots dancing under a bag before you even lift it just from the smell they emit.

Only NY: Do you have a crazy story about being on your daily route, and/or what's one of the wildest things you've found in the trash?

Sebastian: I guess I should mention the body I came across once since that’s one of the first questions someone usually asks about my job. I was alone on my way back to my garage from the dump around 3am when I saw somebody laying on the ground. Initially, I’m thinking ok, it’s just some regular New York shit. But then I thought it’s kinda cold and the dude’s on his back, so lemme go check on him.

I went to check on him and he’s laying there with his eyes and mouth wide open, which was pretty terrifying. I called 911 and I had them on speaker giving me instructions on how to give chest compressions while the paramedics were on their way. Once they got there, they immediately pronounced him dead. Sad part was his phone was under him and it looked like he was trying to contact emergency services.

One the same night, after all that, I was heading back to my garage and I saw police tape blocking a street. There had been a hit and run with a pedestrian and I saw the body on the ground with a cloak over it. It was a lot to witness in one night.

Another one of the wildest things I’ve ever come across was a rat king of around 15 dead iguanas in the middle of the street.

This job definitely keeps me on my toes.

Only NY: Anything else we should know about you, and where can people find more of your work?

Sebastian: Hmmm, expect a photo book when I retire in 19 years.