Description
Collect and transport refuse and recyclables from residential, commercial, and public locations. Sort materials, separate hazardous or prohibited items, and ensure proper disposal or processing. Operate collection vehicles and equipment safely while maintaining clean, compliant routes and facilities.
- • Collect and separate construction, bulky, or yard waste materials into designated containers when assigned.
- • Clean or rinse bins, carts, or recyclable materials as required by local or facility standards.
- • Communicate with customers and dispatch regarding service issues, blocked access, or unsafe conditions.
- • Follow assigned routes and schedules to collect refuse, recycling, and yard waste from curbsides, alleys, and commercial sites.
- • Operate automated side-loaders, rear-loaders, or manual collection vehicles safely; use hydraulic lifts and cart tippers.
- • Load and unload containers, carts, bags, and bulky items; return containers to proper locations.
- • Sort materials at collection points or facilities to remove contamination and place recyclables into proper streams.
- • Identify and segregate hazardous or prohibited items, such as batteries, chemicals, or refrigerant appliances, and report for proper handling.
- • Deposit collected materials at transfer stations, landfills, or materials recovery facilities using chutes, hoppers, or conveyors.
- • Operate compactors, balers, and other processing equipment to compress or prepare recyclables for shipment.
- • Use forklifts, pallet jacks, power lifts, or loaders to move bales, containers, and other heavy items.
- • Record route data, weights, loads, contamination notices, and incidents using logs or onboard systems.
- • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections; clean, inspect, and lubricate trucks and collection equipment; report needed repairs.
- • Maintain work areas, vehicles, and facilities by sweeping, raking, and picking up debris and broken glass.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Energy & Natural Resources
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
