Recycling Operative

Typical Salary

£13,000 To £28,000

Typical Hours

41 to 43 a week

early mornings

How To Become a Recycling Operative

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You can do an intermediate apprenticeship as a waste resource operative.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply to companies directly if you've got relevant skills and experience, for example from working in waste collection.

You may have an advantage if you've had forklift truck training or can drive a large goods vehicle.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
to be flexible and open to change
physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

emptying recycling boxes and wheelie bins into the collection vehicle
putting boxes and bins back and making sure that you have left no litter behind
using lifting machinery to help you lift and sort waste
checking that the right kind of materials have been put out for recycling
sorting waste and removing non-recyclable items
inspecting materials for any contamination
speaking to members of the public about recycling schemes
cleaning and maintaining equipment

Working Environment

You could work at a waste recycling site or from a vehicle.

Your working environment may be dirty, physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

With qualifications and experience you could move into a supervisory role at a waste collection site.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

An employer may give you training on the job, for example to get your large goods vehicle licence.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a recycling operative from Talent Source Network and the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.