Space Janitors
Not every capsuleer dreams of riches, glory, or control over nullsec. Some are called to a nobler mission: cleaning up the galaxy one wreck at a time. These are the Space Janitors of New Eden - pilots who dedicate themselves to tidying the chaotic aftermath of battles, forgotten structures, and abandoned gear. There are several proud branches in this profession:
Post-Engagement Site Purification Unit (PESPU) (Ninja Salvagers).
Specialists who scan down public (and not-so-public) wrecks to salvage, and occasionally liberate loot. Opportunistic? Yes. Criminal? Sometimes. Profitable? Not really.
High-Security Debris Control Officer (MTU Removers).
With an estimated 25.4% of MTUs left behind (source: space gut feeling), these heroes roam highsec looking for neglected Mobile Tractor Units. A single MTU can pull in dozens of wrecks - and with a few volleys of blaster fire, these space hoovers are gone, along with their delicious loot.
Asset Retrieval Technician (Lost ‘n’ Found Drone Agents)
Ever lost drones mid-fight or during a rushed warp-out? These agents scan and scoop abandoned drones across systems. They see them not as trash, but as forgotten little friends in need of rescue (Similar to Critter Cafe).
Why It Matters
New Eden undergoes daily downtime (DT) to clear wrecks, drones, and various leftover clutter. But what if (just what if) the Space Janitors’ Trade Guild kept things so clean, DT became obsolete? Imagine a community-led initiative powerful enough to reduce the need for CCP's digital broom.
Challenges
Legal grey areas, "salvaging" someone else's wreck may be frowned upon.
Unstable income, as not every site pays off, and salvage generally nurfed.
Occasional PvP, because you might find the original owner of that wreck returning mid-operation.
Advice for New Janitors
Train up scanning and salvaging skills ASAP.
Use fast, agile ships like the Imicus, Heron, or Catalyst
Always bookmark wreck fields and keep an eye on local.
And most importantly - bring a mop!
So next time you warp into a cleared battlefield, remember - it wasn’t just time or DT that cleaned it up. Somewhere out there, a Space Janitor was hard at work.
