Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Overview
Refuse and recyclable material collectors help keep communities clean by gathering trash and recyclables from homes and businesses using specialized trucks equipped with automated lifting systems. They drive scheduled routes through neighborhoods and commercial areas, operating hydraulic equipment to empty bins and compact materials before transporting them to landfills or recycling centers. This job requires physical fitness, attention to safety, and good communication skills to coordinate with dispatchers and report any issues. Many collectors work for waste management companies and can advance to supervisor roles or truck maintenance positions with experience.
Did you know?
This role requires physical stamina and strict adherence to OSHA safety protocols due to exposure to hazardous materials and operation of heavy machinery.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$48,350.59 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Speaking
Key Responsibilities
- Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
- Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
- Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems.
- Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse.
- Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.
- Check road or weather conditions to determine how routes will be affected.
- Fill out defective equipment reports.
- Make special pickups of recyclable materials, such as food scraps, used oil, discarded computers, or other electronic items.
- Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point.
- Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.
- Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted.
- Clean trucks or compactor bodies after routes have been completed.
- Organize schedules for refuse collection.
- Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
Career Considerations
Physical Demands and Safety Requirements
This role requires physical stamina and strict adherence to OSHA safety protocols due to exposure to hazardous materials and operation of heavy machinery.
Environmental Regulatory Compliance
Technicians must stay current with EPA and state environmental regulations, as violations can result in significant fines and legal consequences.
Job Security and Growth Potential
The waste management industry offers strong job security due to essential service nature, with growing opportunities in recycling and sustainable waste technologies.