You could get into this job through an intermediate waste resource operative apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Bin worker
Alternative titles for this job include Refuse collector, waste operative, recycling collector
Bin workers remove waste and recyclables from homes and businesses for disposal or recycling.
Average salary (a year)
£15,000 Starter
to£30,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38 to 40 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts
How to become a bin worker
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
Direct Application
You could apply directly to job vacancies. Employers set their own entry requirements.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work on your own
- knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- knowledge of public safety and security
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- be over 18 years of age
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- collect residential and business refuse and recycling
- lift and load heavy items
- operate lifting mechanism to transfer refuse to the waste lorry
- operate waste compactor
- sort recyclable materials at the kerbside
- drive/navigate waste lorry safely
- report any problems with waste collections
- help to unload the waste at designated facilities
- record the amount of waste collected
Working environment
You could work in the community or at a waste recycling site.
Your working environment may be dirty, physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to team leader or supervisor.
With further training you could become a waste management officer or recycling officer.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a bin worker right now.
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Courses In England
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Jobs In the United Kingdom
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Skills assessment
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