Refuse & Recyclable Material Collectors

Garbage Man, Roll Off Truck Driver, Sanitation Laborer, Trash Collector

What they do:
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Controlled Movement

  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Dependability
  • Independence
  • Cooperation
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Initiative

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software

  • Dossier software
  • Mileage logging software

Mobile location based services software

  • Global positioning system GPS software

Facilities management software

  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
associate's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Licenses
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about refuse and recyclable material collectors.