Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

What the job really is

Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.

At a glance

• Sector: Transportation & Material Moving
• O*NET-SOC code: 53-7081
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
• Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
• Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
• Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.
• Fill out defective equipment reports.
• 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.
• Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse.
• 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.
• Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted.

Tools and technology

AMCS Platform, Aluminum compactors, Cardboard compactors, Computerized maintenance management system CMMS, Desktop computers, Dossier software, Fleet management software, Front loading garbage trucks, Garbage trucks, Global positioning system GPS software, Grapple trucks, Lifting arms

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Recycling and Reclamation Workers
• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
• Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
• Recycling Coordinators
• Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
• Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
• Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.