Solid Waste Technician (Solid Waste Tech)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including HealthDescription
Perform field, facility, and laboratory support to monitor and manage solid waste, recyclables, and organics under the direction of a solid waste manager, engineer, or environmental specialist. Monitor landfill gas, leachate, stormwater, and site operations for compliance and safety; collect and characterize wastes and environmental samples.
- • Record tonnage, sampling, and inspection data; prepare compliance reports, summaries, and charts.
- • Collect and characterize solid waste, recyclables, organics, landfill gas, leachate, and stormwater samples.
- • Provide technical assistance and education to haulers, facility staff, and the public on proper disposal and recycling.
- • Calibrate and maintain gas meters, scales, and sampling instruments.
- • Recommend operational controls to reduce litter, odors, vectors, fires, and safety risks.
- • Inspect transfer stations, landfills, material recovery facilities, and collection routes for sanitation and compliance.
- • Prepare samples and chain-of-custody documentation for laboratory analysis; perform field screening.
- • Calculate gas flow, cover quantities, and waste densities using standard formulas.
- • Initiate notices of violation or service shutdowns for prohibited or unsafe disposal practices.
- • Determine chemical dosages or treatment steps for leachate, odor, and dust control systems.
- • Discuss test and inspection results with facility operators, haulers, and regulators.
- • Maintain manifests, special waste profiles, permits, equipment maps, and hazardous waste databases.
- • Perform statistical analysis of waste characterization and operational data.
- • Set up surface emission grids, monitoring wells, and sampling stations for gas and stormwater.
- • Issue or track disposal permits, special waste approvals, and closure or cleanup plans.
- • Inspect work areas and traffic patterns to control hazards such as noise, dust, and equipment conflicts.
- • Weigh and measure waste loads and screened materials to determine composition and contamination rates.
- • Examine incoming loads for prohibited materials such as hazardous waste, e-waste, and medical waste.
- • Develop or implement landfill gas, leachate, and stormwater monitoring programs.
- • Evaluate process or routing changes for environmental impacts and recommend mitigation.
- • Develop or support recycling, organics diversion, and household hazardous waste programs.
- • Monitor flares, blowers, and emission control devices for performance and regulatory compliance.
- • Investigate illegal dumping, spills, odors, and nuisance complaints; collect evidence and samples.
- • Direct or coordinate contractors and field crews during sampling, waste audits, or gas field work.
- • Develop standard operating procedures and testing protocols for solid waste operations.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
