Refuse collector
Refuse collectors are at the forefront of recycling! You'll take rubbish away from homes and businesses to keep the environment clean.
Also known as: bin man
About the job
What it's like
You'd take rubbish away from people’s home and businesses to keep the environment pleasant, clean and healthy.
As a loader, you’d pick up waste for disposal or recycling. You would work as part of a small team, collecting refuse from a different local area each day of the week.
You would:
move bags, wheelie bins and recycling bins and boxes
use a lifting mechanism to tip the waste from bins into the lorry
throw plastic bags into the back of the lorry
crush the waste
sort recyclable materials at the kerbside
guide the driver safely around the streets
report any problems with waste collections
help to unload the waste at designated facilities
record the amount of waste collected
With experience, you might drive the collection lorry and supervise the team of loaders.
As a driver, you'd:
check the lorry before you set out for routine maintenance
stop often to keep in time with the loaders
need to be aware of other vehicles or people in the road and steer the lorry safely
make sure people are clear of the lorry before the rubbish is crushed
drive the lorry to a transfer station, landfill site or recycling depot for weighing and unloading
You need to work cleanly and quickly and be aware of health and safety rules.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Recycling operative
Related industries
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Transport -
Engineering and manufacturing -
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- time management
- reliable
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
You don't need to study any specific subjects to do this job. It's more important that you have relevant skills and experience.
There are no set qualifications to enter this job but qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5 may be of value.
Qualifications and experience that show physical fitness, understanding of health and safety and recycling skills.
Work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Sustainable Resource Operations (SVQ Level 2/3) can be achieved once you're in work.
A LGV (Large Goods Vehicle)licence may be required.
