Recycling operative
Collect and sort rubbish that can be used for a new purpose rather than just thrown away.
Also known as: recycling officer, kerbside collector
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£250
Entry level
£462
Experienced
Monthly
£1,083
Entry level
£2,000
Experienced
Yearly
£13,000
Entry level
£24,000
Experienced
4,300
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would go to people’s homes and businesses and collect rubbish that can be used for a new purpose rather than just thrown away.
Your work would help people and industries re-use resources and reduce their impact on the environment.
You’d collect recyclable materials like:
glass
paper
plastics
metals
textiles
You would:
empty recycling boxes and wheelie bins into the collection vehicle
put the boxes and bins back and make sure nothing has been left behind
check that the right kind of materials have been put out for recycling
sort recyclables at the kerbside
use machinery to help you lift and sort items at the waste collection site and the recycling site
work on the conveyor belt at a waste plant, sorting waste and removing non-recyclable items
inspect materials for any contamination
speak to members of the public about recycling schemes
clean and maintain equipment
In some jobs you could also drive the waste collection vehicle.
You’d need to do a lot of lifting so fitness and stamina would be important. You’d also need to follow health and safety rules.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
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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.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- concentrating
- time management
- adaptability
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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Environmental Science
Practical Craft Skills
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, 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 helpful when entering this role or can be achieved once you are in work.
Some employers may require you to have a driving licence.
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