The Women Who Build With Us: Premier Recycle Celebrates Women in Construction Week
Every year, Women in Construction Week is a reminder that the strongest teams are made up of individuals who bring skill, grit, and commitment to every job. At Premier Recycle, we see that every single day.
From our debris bin services to our hand-sorted C&D recycling facility to our sustainability planning, Premier Recycle runs because of its people. This week, we're putting a few of them in the spotlight.
We asked a few of the women on our team to share what working in construction means to them. Their answers were refreshingly straightforward: about the work itself, and the people they do it with.
The Work Speaks for Itself
Rosie Dorantes has seen Premier Recycle grow and evolve, and she's grown right alongside it. Early in her career in construction and demolition waste management, she found herself as the only woman in the room. Rather than letting that define her experience, she let her work do the talking.
“I take pride in knowing I earned the respect of PMs, site management, and others through my work ethic, problem-solving, and dedication to getting the job done right. Construction is about teamwork, skill, and determination — qualities that have nothing to do with gender.”
That perspective is hard-won and worth paying attention to. In C&D recycling, where the work is hands-on and the expectations are high, credibility is built job by job. Rosie has built plenty of it.
Building Something Greater, Together
Sara Behnke approaches construction the way any great team player does: by understanding the full picture. From building permit planning and project scheduling to dumpster hauling, demolition coordination, and submitting tickets and CalRecycle compliance reports, Sara sees how every role connects.
“I like working in construction because I admire the teamwork. Every person has a role in building, and the end result is getting to see your work displayed. Man or woman, we are all working together to build something greater.”
That kind of big-picture thinking is exactly what drives a vertically integrated operation like Premier Recycle. We own our trucks, operate our own RCI-certified sorting facility, and coordinate across job sites throughout the Bay Area — from San Jose to San Francisco to Oakland. When team members understand the full picture, nothing falls through the cracks.
Why We Share These Stories
We share these stories because great work deserves to be recognized – and because for any woman considering this industry, seeing it matters.
The C&D recycling and waste diversion industry is growing. California's construction sector continues to expand across the Bay Area, and companies like Premier Recycle are at the center of that growth. This industry rewards people, including women, who are reliable, detail-oriented, and team-driven.
If that’s you, there’s a place for you in this industry.
To Rosie, Sara, and every woman who is part of the Premier Recycle family: thank you for what you bring to this team. Every single day.
