Cliff Sanchious continues his family’s legacy at Monarch Hill after more than 30 years operating heavy machinery on the landfill
Coconut Creek, Florida – For more than three decades, Cliff Sanchious has spent his days atop Monarch Hill, navigating massive machines across a sprawling Broward County landfill. At 61, Sanchious is carrying on a family tradition that began with his father shortly after the landfill first opened in 1965. “I love it,” Sanchious said in a recent interview. “My father started here and I saw him doing it and wanted to do it myself.” Today, he is the last Sanchious still working at the site, which at one time employed five members of his family, including his twin brother, an uncle, and a cousin.
The Monarch Hill Landfill, operated by Waste Management, covers 382 acres in unincorporated Broward County, straddling the borders of Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach. The site rises more than 225 feet, towering over nearby buildings and offering sweeping views toward Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton. “The view from there is lovely,” Sanchious said, pausing as he surveys the vast landscape of construction and landscaping debris that now primarily makes up the landfill’s contents.
Sanchious’ role as a heavy equipment operator has evolved over 18 years, overseeing loaders, bulldozers, excavators, and large dump trucks that dwarf his 6-foot-2 frame. Of all the machinery, the bulldozer remains his favorite. “I like pushing stuff,” he said with a grin. He started on the night shift as a recycling operator before moving into equipment operation, and he notes that the work environment has improved significantly over time. “Conditions have improved over the years,” Sanchious said. “Operating this equipment is my blood.” He added with a shrug, “You get used to it,” referencing the less-than-glamorous nature of landfill work.
Born in Jacksonville as one of nine children, Sanchious moved with his family to Pompano Beach, where he has lived ever since — just ten minutes from his workplace. Outside of the landfill, he enjoys drag racing a Mustang with his brother, driving a golf cart around his community, and grilling meals from the back of his truck. His life balances the intensity of his job with simple pleasures and hobbies that keep him connected to his roots.
Jake Gonzalez, manager of Monarch Hill, praised Sanchious for his consistency, dedication, and leadership. “He’s dedicated and committed to his job,” Gonzalez said. “It’s like his second home.” Safety is a cornerstone of Sanchious’ work, and Gonzalez emphasized that Sanchious sets the example for other employees. “Our biggest focus is on safety and he always puts safety first,” Gonzalez said. “It’s great to have him here. He’s a leader who trains the new guys.”
The landfill itself is also entering a new chapter. Waste Management recently received approval to expand Monarch Hill, increasing its height to 325 feet and adding 24 acres. The agreement includes commitments to halt further expansion beyond the new height, improve odor control, provide host fees, and formally rename the site. The expansion is expected to allow operations until roughly 2050, giving Sanchious a chance to witness yet another era of change atop the hill.
For Cliff Sanchious, the changes are part of a lifetime spent immersed in the rhythms of the landfill, continuing a quiet family legacy that has shaped one of Broward County’s most recognizable landmarks. “It was something I always wanted to do,” he said. “I really like the machines. It’s fun.” Through decades of labor, from childhood fascination to skilled mastery, Sanchious remains a steadfast figure on Monarch Hill, embodying both the family tradition and the evolving story of the landfill itself.
