A homeless man sleeping inside a dumpster in Huntsville received a rude awakening Monday when a garbage truck came around to collect.

The man was lying inside the dumpster when a Republic Waste Operations truck picked up the dumpster and threw it into the bed of the truck. That's when the truck operator noticed there was a person inside.

"Because of this, our driver was able to save this man's life," said Republic Waste Operations Manager Chuck Cantrell. "It is important to look after one another, especially those less fortunate."

Cantrell added that the man would have been forced through a trash compactor if the driver hadn't noticed him.

In addition to saving the man's life, Republic purchased clothes and boots for the man, who Cantrell said is now at a homeless shelter.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.

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