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Refuse Collector

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

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Refuse collectors collect domestic, industrial and commercial waste and take it away for recycling or disposal. Recent trends are moving away from burying and burning waste towards recycling.

They work in a team of one driver and several loaders. Each team goes to a particular area on a specific day of the week. Householders and business owners place their rubbish in plastic sacks, dustbins or wheelie bins, in an agreed location.

Loaders:

• move the bins, bags and wheelie bins to the edge of the pavement
• wheel the bins to the back of the lorry and attach them to a lifting mechanism
• throw plastic bags into the back of the lorry
• work the controls to crush the rubbish
• sort recyclables at the kerbside.

Drivers:

• carry out routine maintenance checks on the lorry before setting out
• drive slowly, stopping often and manoeuvring the lorry close to the rubbish
• check all loaders are clear before the crushing starts
• drive the lorry load of rubbish to the place of disposal for unloading
• in some cases, supervise the team of loaders.

Refuse collectors normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, between 7am and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Overtime may be available. Collectors work outdoors in all weathers, and the job involves bending and carrying heavy loads.

Refuse collectors earn around £11,000 to £17,000 a year. Supervisors earn from £17,000 to £25,000. A refuse collector needs to be:

• physically fit and strong
• a good team worker
• polite when dealing with customers.

A driver needs:

• good observation skills to spot possible hazards
• driving skill for manoeuvres in narrow spaces.

Employers include local authorities and private contractors throughout the country. There are also increasing opportunities with commercial recycling companies. Loaders do not need any particular educational qualifications. The minimum age for entry is 18. Drivers must have a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence and should be over 21 years of age.

Once employed, refuse collectors can work towards NVQs/SVQs in Waste Management Operations and other relevant subjects. Promotion is to supervisory or managerial  roles. Some collectors become drivers.
 

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