Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Recyclable Material Collectors

Recyclable Material Collectors collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.

Salary
$42620
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.

  • Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.
  • 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.
  • Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse.
Read more about what does a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$40560 per year

Average hourly wage
$20 per hour


Recyclable Material Collectors with little to no experience tend to make between $22290 and $28280 while the more experienced ones can earn over $49260 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
IL $28 $57,680
NY $27 $56,710
CA $26 $53,730
WA $25 $51,780
AK $23 $48,000

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector is to move to a higher paying state like IL. Right now, the highest paying states for Recyclable Material Collectors are IL, NY, CA, WA and AK.

However, a higher pay at IL doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at IL might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
No degree required

We asked other Recyclable Material Collectors what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by less than a High School Diploma.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

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Read more about how to become a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
One of the lowest paying jobs
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
63%

Is this job meaningful
52%


63% of Recyclable Material Collectors said they were satisfied with their job and 52% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Organizers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.



Learn more about Recyclable Material Collectors

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

Recyclable Material Collectors job description, Recyclable Material Collectors salary, Recyclable Material Collectors information, what is the job of a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector like, pros and cons about Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, colleges and universities for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, is Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors the right career for me, careers in Transportation

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