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Got a question from Tim ......

This is our reply.......

Hi Tim, thanks for asking us what qualifications you need to be a 'bin man' who is now
called a 'Recycling / Refuse Operative'.

There are no formal entry qualifications to become a recycling / refuse operative, although
basic literacy and numeracy skills are usually required and some employers may ask for
GCSE's in English and Maths.

To be a Recycling / Refuse Operative you need to be

# physically fit, active and strong enough to lift and carry heavy bins and sacks
# usually 18 years
# be able to work in a team
# be able to cope with unpleasant sights and smells
# be able to deal with the public on a daily basis
-in the case of drivers, have driving and observation skills

Also to become a driver, individuals need a large goods vehicle (LGV) licence, so they
normally need to be 21 years or over. Younger entrants may be able to join the Young
LGV Driver Training Scheme, operated through Skills for Logistics. This is open to
candidates aged between 16 and 21 and offers a fast-track route to a full LGV licence and
an NVQ at level 2. It allows some individuals to get a licence at 18.

Although there seem to be few qualifications you need to start working as a recycling /
refuse operative once you are successful in getting a job there will be training which would
include:

# Initial training covering the practical aspects such as attaching bins to the collection
vehicle and operating the crushing mechanism, health and safety, safety awareness,
manual handling, protective equipment, handling needles and customer service.

Recycling/ refuse operatives can also work towards vocational qualifications such as
NVQ's in:

# waste management operations at levels 1 and 2
# recycling operations at levels 1 and 2

Recycling / Refuse Operatives usually work in a team of one driver and several loaders.

Loaders:

# move rubbish to the pavement edge and return bins to their correct position
# give directions and hand signals to help manoeuvre the refuse collection vehicle
# load rubbish into the back of the vehicle and operate the crushing controls
# deliver replacement bin bags and notices about collections to customers
# assist In the unloading of waste at the disposal facility

Drivers:

# carry out routine maintenance checks on the refuse collection vehicle
# drive the vehicle slowly and position it as close as possible to the rubbish
# check that all the loaders are clear before the crushing of rubbish begins
# in many cases, supervise the team of loaders

Recycling /Refuse Operatives typically work 37 to 40 hours a week. They often start at
around 6.30pm or 7.00am and finish at around 3.30pm. They are provided with safety
clothing and have to be aware of the risk of injury, for example from sharp objects such as
glass and needles.

Salaries and benefits can vary depending on the employer and where people live:

-Loaders may earn from about £11,000 to £15,000 a year
-With experience, salaries may rise to around £15,000 to £18,000 a year
-A driver may earn £15,000 to £20,000 a year
-Supervisors and managers may earn between £18,000 and £25,000 or more

Earnings can also be increased through bonuses and overtime payments.

In terms of getting into the job there are currently around 140,000 people employed in the
UK waste management industry. Refuse collection is generally the responsibility of local
councils. Some directly employ recycling / refuse operatives, while others contract the
work out to waste management companies. There is more work in towns and cities than in
rural areas.

Vacancies may be advertised in local newspapers, JobCentre Plus offices, local authority
job bulletins and websites including www.lgjobs.com, waste management company
websites, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) website at
www.ciwm.co.uk and specialist recruitment websites such as www.letsrecycle.com

As you are only 14 if you wish to enter a career like this you do have some time to wait
until you can apply for a job. However in the mean time you could perhaps look at the
various skills needed for this job and try and gain some experience around them which will
help you in a few years to come.

We hope we have given you helpful information here. Further information on career options
in general include:

# Your Young People's Worker linked to your school
# Your nearest Young People's Centre: The Old Bank, Whalley Rd, Accrington, BB5
1AA
# Your local library will stock career books - useful one is 'The 2008 Recycling and Waste
Careers Guide - Lets Recycle'

We wish you luck in your future career. If you need any more information on this or
anything else please contact us again

Best Wishes

q2a

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