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Bin worker
Refuse collector, waste operative, recycling collector
Bin workers collect household and commercial waste for disposal or recycling.
Average salary (a year)
£23000
Starter
£28000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:an apprenticeship; applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Waste Resource Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship typically takes a year to complete and is a mix of training on the job and off-site learning.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Direct Application
You can apply directly to job vacancies. Employers set their own entry requirements but you'll be expected to be physically fit and a good timekeeper.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    The ability to work well with others
    The ability to work on your own
    The ability to operate and control equipment
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to organise your time and workload
    Customer service skills
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    Knowledge of public safety and security
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Other Requirements
You'll need a large goods vehicle (LGV) licence to apply for jobs that include driving the bin collection lorry.
Related Restrictions
be over 18 years of age
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As a bin worker, you could
collect rubbish and recycling from homes or businesses, use a lifting mechanism to empty waste into the bin lorry, operate a waste compactor to crush loads, sort recycling boxes at the kerbside, drive a bin lorry safely, help unload waste at landfill sites or recycling facilities, record the amount of waste collected
Working environment
You could work in the community or at a waste recycling site.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, physically demanding and dirty.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience and training, you could become a bin crew team leader or supervisor.
You might also train to become a
refuse collection lorry driver, waste management co-ordinator, recycling officer
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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