CFChooseField
Transportation and Logistics

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
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Median pay

$48,350
Median annual pay for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

0.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

16,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

147,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Transportation
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Public Safety and Security
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Multilimb Coordination
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Static Strength
  4. 4Manual Dexterity
  5. 5Reaction Time
  6. 6Trunk Strength

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  2. 2Performing General Physical Activities
  3. 3Handling and Moving Objects
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  3. 3In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  4. 4Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  5. 5Exposed to Contaminants
  6. 6Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

AMCS PlatformComputerized maintenance management system CMMSDossier softwareFleet management softwareGlobal positioning system GPS softwareMileage logging softwarePayroll softwareRouteware softwareSqueegeeWAM software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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