Recycling Operative
What is the work like?
All sorts of materials can be recycled, including glass, paper, plastics, metals, tyres and textiles. As a recycling operative or kerbside collector, you would collect these recyclable materials from homes and businesses.
Your job would include:
- emptying recycling boxes into the collection vehicle
- putting boxes back and making sure that you have left no litter behind
- using lifting machinery to help you during collections and deliveries
- checking that the right kind of materials have been put out for recycling
- sorting recyclables at the kerbside
- inspecting materials for any contamination
- educating members of the public about how the recycling scheme operates
- helping the driver to manoeuvre the vehicle safely
- cleaning and maintaining equipment.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a recycling operative you will need a reasonable level of physical fitness, and you will have an advantage if you have previous experience of dealing with the public face-to-face. You do not usually need any formal qualifications.
The collection of recyclables is now done by a number of charities on behalf of local authorities and private contractors. Volunteering with these charities can be a good way of gaining experience.
What further training and development can I do?
You will be trained on the job under the supervision of experienced staff. Your training would usually include health and safety, manual handling and protective equipment. You would also be trained in customer service as you would deal with the general public every day.
Your employer may also encourage you to achieve work-based qualifications, such as:
- NVQ levels 1 and 2 in Waste Management Operations
- NVQ levels 1 and 2 in Recycling Operations.
You can find details of training providers from the Energy & Utility Skills website.
Where can I go for more information?
Peterbridge House3 The Lakes
Northampton
NN4 7HE
Tel: 01604 231950
1011 Stratford Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4BN
Tel: 0845 077 9922
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries can be between £11,000 and £18,000 a year.
- With experience and promotion, earnings can reach £25,000.
Figures are a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would generally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with possible overtime when necessary. In many jobs you would start work very early in the morning.
This job can be physically demanding and most of your work would be outdoors in all kinds of weather.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- concern for the environment
- good communication and customer service skills
- the ability to work as part of a team
- a polite manner
- awareness of health and safety issues
- physical fitness and stamina.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually work for a local council or for a private waste management company under contract to a council. Jobs may be advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus, employers' own websites or specialist recycling industry websites.
With experience, you could progress to supervisor or manager, or you could become a recycling or waste management officer.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
LG Jobs
letsrecycle.com
Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) – for information on recycling
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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