Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector
A Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector is responsible for collecting trash and recyclable materials from designated locations and transporting them to suitable disposal or processing facilities. This role typically involves manual labor, often conducted in small teams, using either traditional garbage trucks or more modern automated vehicles. Workers in this field predominantly operate in urban and residential environments, where they navigate daily routes, regardless of weather conditions. The position is entry-level, requiring minimal prior experience or education, making it an accessible option for many individuals seeking temporary employment or a gateway to other career paths.
Collectors often begin their day at a central location, operating trucks that follow predetermined routes to gather waste from curbside bins and dumpsters. They may also handle specialized waste streams, such as medical or electronic waste, which require adherence to specific safety protocols due to the potential hazards involved. Most collectors work standard hours during the week, though some may have irregular schedules based on client needs. The median annual earnings for collectors are approximately $47,810, reflecting a stable demand for this essential service within the community.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Human Services
Interests: Manual labor, debris collection, recycling, driving, working outdoors
Earnings (Yearly Median): $47,810 annual, $22.99 hourly (2023)
Employment & Outlook: 5 percent (Faster than average)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Refuse and recyclable material collectors collect trash and recyclables and transport them to appropriate facilities for permanent disposal or processing. They differ from other waste-management professionals, such as those in the construction industry, in that they traditionally work without extensive mechanical equipment. Refuse and recyclable material collectors traditionally work in small groups of two to four people and collect debris manually, using a garbage or recycling truck, from curbside trash receptacles and dumpsters.
Work Environment. Refuse and recyclable material collectors traditionally work specific daily routes in urban and residential communities. Specialized refuse and recyclable material collectors, particularly those working in medical waste or appliance recycling, may work on a client-to-client or as-needed basis. Most refuse and recycling collection is conducted outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. Many of the tasks inherent to refuse and recycling collection occur in and around potentially dangerous and unsanitary conditions.
Occupation Interest. Refuse and recycling collection is a predominantly entry-level position requiring little professional experience or academic study. Most refuse and recyclable material collectors use the role as a bridge between careers or temporary means of employment while considering other professional options, furthering their education, or seeking employment in their desired field.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Refuse and recyclable material collectors begin their day at a centralized headquarters where garbage and recycling trucks are stored and maintained. They are traditionally employees of municipal outfits such as sanitation departments or private commercial trash collection companies.
Garbage and recycling trucks run predetermined routes throughout cities and towns. Refuse and recyclable material collectors alternate between driving the truck and manually loading it with trash from curbside bins and containers. Some contemporary refuse-removal vehicles are automated, meaning that collectors need only ensure that the truck is loading trash properly and returning empty receptacles to their proper positions.
When trucks are full, refuse and recyclable material collectors must travel to municipal recycling centers and dumps to empty them before continuing their collection. Refuse and recyclable material collectors primarily work traditional hours, Monday through Friday, with some exceptions. Electronic- and medical-waste collectors may work on an on-call basis, traveling to different locations and dumping sites depending on client needs.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Environments vary based on the waste-removal specialty of the employing organization. Sites may range from urban and residential communities to hospitals, schools, chemical laboratories, and public parks. Refuse and recyclable material collectors may also work in recycling facilities and waste dumps. Some trash, especially medical waste, may contain hazardous objects or substances, so refuse and recyclable material collectors must follow proper safety procedures.
Human Environment. Refuse and recyclable material collectors must work well with others, as they often work in pairs or small groups.
Technological Environment. Technologies used in refuse and recycling collection range from radio communications technology to trash compactors and waste-collection vehicles.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Most employers prefer but do not require a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). Training occurs primarily on the job.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary education is not required.
Related Occupations
− Freight, Stock & Material Mover
Bibliography
"Hand Laborers and Material Movers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/hand-laborers-and-material-movers.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors." Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes537081.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.