Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Tasks Include:
- Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
- Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
- Fill out defective equipment reports.
- Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
- 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.
- Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point.
- Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems.
- Check road or weather conditions to determine how routes will be affected.
- Clean trucks or compactor bodies after routes have been completed.
- Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +22.9%
National: +5.4%
Education
High School Diploma
Job Zone:
Two: Some Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Moderately High ($36,000 - $49,999)
Median Earnings:
National
$43,540.00
State
$32,640.00
Regional
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Description
Career Cluster: | Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources |
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Education
Required Level of Education
- High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 81.47%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 11.19%
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 5.74%
- Less than a High School Diploma = 1.60%
Related Work Experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 45%
- None = 19.49%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 15.39%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 8.34%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 5.74%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 4.56%
- Up to and including 1 month = 1.48%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Up to and including 1 month = 81.22%
- None = 16.56%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 1.97%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 0.25%
On-the-Job Training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 68.60%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 23.06%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 8.09%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 0.25%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
- Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
- Fill out defective equipment reports.
- Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
- 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.
- Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point.
- Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems.
- Check road or weather conditions to determine how routes will be affected.
- Clean trucks or compactor bodies after routes have been completed.
- Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted.
- Sort items set out for recycling and throw materials into designated truck compartments.
- Organize schedules for refuse collection.
- Provide quotes for refuse collection contracts.
- Make special pickups of recyclable materials, such as food scraps, used oil, discarded computers, or other electronic items.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Packaging compactors (Aluminum compactors)
- Packaging compactors (Cardboard compactors)
- Desktop computers
- Cargo trucks (Front loading garbage trucks)
- Cargo trucks (Garbage trucks)
- Cargo trucks (Grapple trucks)
- Loading equipment (Lifting arms)
- Two way radios (Mobile radios)
- Personal computers
- Cargo trucks (Pneumatic collection garbage trucks)
- Cargo trucks (Rear-loading garbage trucks)
- Cargo trucks (Recycling trucks)
- Cargo trucks (Shredder trucks)
- Cargo trucks (Side-loading garbage trucks)
- Cargo trucks (Tractor-trailer trucks)
- Container trailers (Walking floor trailers)
Technologies Include:
- Data base user interface and query software
- Mileage logging software
- Facilities management software
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS software
- Time accounting software
- Payroll software
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Additional Resources
Information on safety and training requirements is available from:
U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
200 Constitution Ave. NW.
Washington, D.C. 20210
http://www.osha.gov
Information on industrial truck and tractor operators is available from:
Industrial Truck Association
1750 K St. NW.
Suite 460
Washington, DC 20006
Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association
2750 Prosperity Ave.
Suite 620
Fairfax, VA 22301
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
55.50 | Mechanical | Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
50.00 | Operation and Control | Controlling operations of equipment or systems. |
50.00 | Operations Monitoring | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
59.50 | Multilimb Coordination | The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. |
56.25 | Static Strength | The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects. |
56.25 | Arm-Hand Steadiness | The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
53.00 | Trunk Strength | The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing. |
53.00 | Reaction Time | The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears. |
53.00 | Manual Dexterity | The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. |
50.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
50.00 | Far Vision | The ability to see details at a distance. |
50.00 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
50.00 | Extent Flexibility | The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
83.25 | Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment | Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft. |
67.50 | Performing General Physical Activities | Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
66.50 | Handling and Moving Objects | Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
59.50 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
56.50 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
54.25 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
53.75 | Controlling Machines and Processes | Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
53.25 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
50.25 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
73.75 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
68.50 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
65.50 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
60.50 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
59.25 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
54.25 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
52.25 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
52.00 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
50.00 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
55.50 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
50.00 | Relationships | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
99.80 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
97.80 | Outdoors, Exposed to Weather | How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions? |
93.60 | In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment | How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)? |
86.40 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
86.00 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
84.40 | Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures? |
83.00 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
78.20 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
74.80 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
74.60 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
74.60 | Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment? |
73.60 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
72.20 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
71.60 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
69.40 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
68.20 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
65.60 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
63.40 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
63.40 | Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body | How much does this job require bending or twisting your body? |
61.80 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
60.00 | Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting | How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions? |
59.20 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
59.00 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
58.60 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
58.40 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
58.40 | Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings? |
58.40 | Exposed to Disease or Infections | How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections? |
58.20 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
56.00 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
55.60 | In an Open Vehicle or Equipment | How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)? |
55.60 | Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.) |
55.60 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
53.20 | Spend Time Walking and Running | How much does this job require walking and running? |
53.00 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
51.80 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
51.20 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
- Education
- These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $28,190.00 | $43,540.00 | $53,800.00 |
Virginia | $23,220.00 | $32,640.00 | $40,590.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Bay Consortium | $25,743.17 | $35,107.44 | $40,758.89 |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $25,776.46 | $32,320.74 | $38,927.45 |
Central VA/Region2000 | $27,915.92 | $36,150.11 | $39,938.90 |
Crater Area | $24,778.54 | $30,913.86 | $38,642.32 |
Greater Peninsula | $30,413.34 | $42,487.31 | $46,821.37 |
Hampton Roads | $29,646.42 | $39,530.99 | $46,032.60 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | $24,298.83 | $29,042.88 | $33,194.83 |
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Piedmont Workforce | $26,860.76 | $33,966.95 | $41,038.80 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | $24,385.20 | $25,545.45 | $31,486.18 |
Southwestern Virginia | $23,826.40 | $24,161.47 | $29,719.26 |
West Piedmont | $23,869.06 | $28,107.39 | $36,761.98 |
Western Virginia | $26,977.31 | $31,571.51 | $37,348.87 |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 138,700 | 146,200 | +5.4% |
Virginia | 3,227 | 3,965 | +22.9% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Bay Consortium | 152 | 196 | +28.9% |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | 643 | 870 | +35.3% |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | 201 | 250 | +24.4% |
Greater Peninsula | 205 | 246 | +20.0% |
Hampton Roads | 403 | 474 | +17.6% |
New River/Mt. Rogers | 145 | 155 | +6.9% |
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Piedmont Workforce | 157 | 194 | +23.6% |
Shenandoah Valley | 197 | 234 | +18.8% |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | 203 | 190 | -6.4% |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | 135 | 157 | +16.3% |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Recycling and Reclamation Workers
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
- Recycling Coordinators
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
- Light Truck Drivers
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
- Highway Maintenance Workers
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
- Pile Driver Operators
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
- Hoist and Winch Operators
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders
- Crane and Tower Operators
- Helpers--Extraction Workers
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Careers in Environmental Service Systems Pathway:
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
- Pest Control Workers
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
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CareerOneStop Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Videos
Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Titles
- Collector
- Commercial Front Load Driver
- Disposal Man
- Disposal Worker
- Driver
- Dumpman
- Front Load Trash Truck Driver
- Front Loader Residential Driver
- Garbage Collector
- Garbage Man
- Garbage or Trash Collection Sanitation Engineer
- Garbage Person
- Garbage Pick Up Man
- Garbage Pick Up Worker
- Garbage Truck Helper
- Garbage Worker
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Junkman
- Limb Driver
- Rear Load Truck Driver
- Recyclable Materials Collector
- Recycle Driver
- Recycling Collections Driver
- Recycling Technician
- Refuse Collector
- Refuse Driver
- Residential Recycle Driver
- Roll-Off Container Truck Driver
- Rolloff Truck Driver
- Rubbish Collector
- Sanitation Laborer
- Sanitation Truck Driver
- Sanitation Worker
- Scrap Metal Collector
- Solid Waste Collector
- Swamper
- Thrower
- Trash Collector
- Trash Man
- Trashman
- Truck Driver
- Waste Collector
- Wasteman
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Related Schools
There are no Related Schools at this time.The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)