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Recycling Operative

Do you want to become a Recycling Operative? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Waste recycling operatives work at various levels in the waste management industry, contributing to the recycling process. They may be involved in:

• the collection, receipt and dispatch of recyclable waste and other materials
• the storage of recyclable waste within a waste facility
• controlling the safety of vehicle movements on waste management facilities
• cleaning and maintaining small plant and equipment
• running waste treatment and recycling operations
• educating members of the public about recycling schemes.

Operatives travel around housing and industrial estates with specialist vehicles, collecting items such as bottles, plastics, and newspapers. They use low-loading vehicles equipped with separate bins into which the various items are placed.

Some operatives work on waste sites where they have to separate and arrange suitable storage for material, some of which may be hazardous. Others control the machinery and equipment used in the recycling process. They may also maintain and repair machinery.

Salaries range from around £12,000 to £25,000 a year.

The work is usually outdoors in all weathers and protective clothing, including overalls and gloves, is provided.

A recycling operative should:

• be physically strong and hardworking
• be able to work alone and as part of a team
• have a knowledge of materials and recycling
• have good communication skills
• have an interest in conserving the environment.

Employers are the environmental departments of local authorities, private contactors and a number of charitable/voluntary organisations. Formal qualifications are not usually required, but applicants must be at least 18 years old. Adult entry is possible.

Training is on the job and entrants attend short courses on health and safety at work. Training may lead to obtaining a Management Operations NVQ/SVQ Level 1 - Waste Recycling Operative qualification. An NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Community Recycling is also available.

Progress to chargehand and supervisor level is possible. Further study can enable operatives to progress to managerial positions.

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