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Bin worker

Alternative titles for this job include Refuse collector, waste operative, recycling collector, bin loader

Bin workers remove waste and recyclables from homes and businesses for disposal or recycling.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a bin worker

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an intermediate waste resource operative apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship typically takes 12 months to complete as as mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job training.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply directly to job vacancies. Employers set their own entry requirements.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • 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

You'll need a large goods vehicle (LGV) licence to apply for jobs that include waste collection vehicle driving duties.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • collect residential and business refuse and recycling
  • move, lift and load heavy items and wheelie bins
  • use a lifting mechanism to transfer refuse to the waste lorry
  • operate a waste compactor
  • sort recyclable materials at the kerbside
  • drive a 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 outdoors in all weathers, physically demanding and dirty.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Waste & Recycling Apprentices

  • Wage: To be agreed upon appointment Unspecified
  • Location: Rotherham
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Courses In England

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