sanman

plural sanmen

1. New York CityA New York City sanitation department worker: a garbage collector.First known use since the 1970s

   Then I walk some of the thousands of curb miles with the sanmen (at that time still an all-male workforce).

   2008, Anne Pasternak, Creative Time: The Book, page 129

   2 more examples

   Sanmen get more on-the-job injuries than either policemen or firemen. Many of them strain their backs, undramatically but painfully, because, being so strong, they may forget to bend their knees when they're hoisting a garbage can.

   1978, The New Yorker, volume 54, part 3, page 28

   Ukeles has been shocked at the number of insults endured by the sanmen, and saddened by the shame some of them feel.

   1984, Ms. Magazine, volume 12/13, page 32