Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Human Advantage 54%
Moderate human-AI collaboration
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
5.2 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
Also Known As: Collector, Disposal Man, Disposal Worker, Dumpman, Front Load Trash Truck Driver, Front Loader Residential Driver, Garbage Collection Sanitation Engineer, Garbage Collector +38 more
Core 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.
- 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.
Supplemental Tasks (3)
- Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted.
- Make special pickups of recyclable materials, such as food scraps, used oil, discarded computers, or other electronic items.
- Organize schedules for refuse collection.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Software (10)
Tools & Equipment (16)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Utilities Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors You are here
Zone 4
Solar Energy Systems Engineers 72% match
Zone 5
Architectural and Engineering Managers 69% match
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