Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
What is a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector?
Refuse and recyclable material collectors are essential workers responsible for collecting and disposing of waste, including all types of refuse and recyclable materials from residential, commercial, and industrial locations. Their primary duty is to drive collection vehicles along designated routes, stopping at scheduled locations to pick up garbage, recyclables, and sometimes yard waste. These collectors ensure that refuse is handled safely and efficiently, contributing to public health and sanitation by maintaining cleanliness in the community.
In addition to the physical demands of the job, which include lifting heavy bins and maneuvering large vehicles, refuse and recyclable material collectors must adhere to statutory regulations regarding waste disposal and recycling practices. They often engage in sorting materials on-site to ensure that recyclable items are properly separated from non-recyclables, thus promoting environmental sustainability. The role also involves interacting with the public, addressing questions or concerns about waste management services, and reporting issues such as missed pickups or damaged bins.
With the increasing emphasis on recycling and waste reduction, these collectors play a crucial role in educating the community about proper waste disposal methods and the importance of recycling. Over time, advancements in technology and shifts in waste generation patterns have influenced the methods and equipment used in waste collection, making the role of refuse and recyclable material collectors more complex.
Tasks
- Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
- Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
- Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
- Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.
- Fill out defective equipment reports.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- Dossier software
- Mileage logging software
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Mobile location based services software
- Global positioning system GPS software
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Facilities management software
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
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Cloud-based data access and sharing software
- Squeegee
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Time accounting software
- Payroll software
Tools Used
- Cargo trucks
- Packaging compactors
- Two way radios
- Container trailers
- Loading equipment
Knowledge
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Abilities
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Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Static Strength
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Reaction Time
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Associate's degree
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Inspect motor vehicles.
- Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
- Dispose of trash or waste materials.
- Maintain vehicles in good working condition.
- Prepare accident or incident reports.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$30050.0 - $67970.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.