Refuse & Recyclable Materials Collectors
Description OES Code: 98705
Collect refuse or recyclable materials from containers and put into truck, on a designated route.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.20
25th Percentile $12.09
50th Percentile $15.94
75th Percentile $20.42

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.76
25th Percentile $14.05
50th Percentile $15.47
75th Percentile $16.89

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The majority of Garbage Collectors begin work at 3:00 a.m. There is very often overtime which carries the workday into late afternoon or early evening. Overtime wages are usually time and one half.

Some municipalities and private companies offer bonuses for safety and productivity. Common fringe benefits are paid vacation and sick leave, retirement plans and medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Some Garbage Collectors get uniforms or uniform allowances.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 11,200
Projected Employment 2008 11,000
Percent Change 1998-2008 -1.8%
Separations 1998-2008 4,300

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Garbage Collectors work outside in the cold, darkness, and sometimes bad weather. Sometimes, they must fend off dogs or avoid devices installed to keep intruders out of various kinds of garbage. They usually wear protective clothing provided by the employer, but workers still get dirty.

Workers are occasionally exposed to risks of a number of different hazards, including chemical burns, broken glass, and overloaded containers, as well as low over-hanging tree limbs. Foul odors and dust from carelessly filled refuse cans and pests such as ants and flies are part of the work, but risk can be reduced through the use of masks and goggles. Trash collectors lift 40 to 80 pound containers into the truck or push bins weighing as much as 1,000 pounds when full.

Advancement
Promotional opportunities are limited. Garbage Collectors can promote to Garbage Collector Driver positions, and a limited number can advance to garbage-collection supervisor. Some drivers move into related local trucking and dispatching operations.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Workers with Class B, Commercial driver's licenses have the best chances of finding a job. Job seekers should apply directly to private garbage collection companies, cities, and counties for garbage collectors jobs. They should also contact the local California Employment Development Department. Other job titles used for this occupation are solid waste collector, trash collector, and refuse collector.

For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education & Training
Drivers must have a valid California Class B, Commercial driver's license and have a good driving record. The work may require physical strength, agility and the ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds. Garbage Collectors and Drivers must read, write, and speak well enough to complete necessary paperwork and communicate with customers. On-the-job training is from two weeks to a month.

Medical exams are part of the qualification requirements to get a Commercial Driver's License; drivers must take an annual medical exam to keep their license. Most employers also give pre-employment medical exams. Knowledge concerning the safe handling of hazardous materials is a plus for job seekers.

Skills & Other Requirements
Refuse and Recyclable materials Collectors operate garbage trucks on assigned routes to pick up garbage and waste for deposit in landfill areas. Truck operations may be carried out by one worker-driver or a team of two workers. Collections can be done by a single worker who drives automated trucks that lift and dump containers with a hydraulic lift. Drivers must inspect mechanical and safety equipment on collection trucks daily. After the inspection they report any mechanical problems to the chief mechanic and supervisor and fill out any needed reports for defective equipment. Drivers must keep informed of road and weather conditions and report significant problems to their supervisors. When cans or bins are overflowing or contain unsuitable waste, drivers tag the container to inform customers why it was rejected and to describe the standards for proper disposal.

References
California Occupational Guide: #460

Related Occupation: Truck Drivers, Heavy

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)