Recycling advisor

Recycling advisors work at municipal tips. They help people to get rid of their household waste and advise them on where different items should be put.

Also known as:

Household waste recycling centre operative
Tip worker

Work activities

Recycling advisors help people dispose of their rubbish. They work at municipal tip sites. Tips are usually divided into colour-coded skips, with each skip being used for a different waste product, such as wood, metal, electrical goods or garden waste.

The recycling advisor directs people towards the correct skip for the waste they have, and when needed, helps them unload their vehicles. Advisors also sort and prepare recycled materials to get them ready for processing. This could mean using various machines to crush the materials into smaller sizes. Recycling advisors carry out routine checks on the machinery and other equipment used at the tip.

Advisors are responsible for keeping the work area clean and tidy. They need to make sure the routes leading to and around skips are free of any debris which could result in damage to cars or injury to people using the tip. Recycling advisors have to wear a uniform. They have to work outdoors in all types of weather.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need to:

Know about the types of materials people take to waste sites.
Be physically active.
Feel comfortable using machinery.
Enjoy practical work.
Pay attention to health and safety.
Be good at dealing with the public.
Work well in a team.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for recycling advisors vary with employer and region. The pay rates given are approximate. Earnings start around £13,000 per year, rising to £24,000 with experience.

Recycling advisors work around 41-43 hours per week. However, in some areas, the working week can be longer. Shift work is the usual working method. Weekend work and work on public holidays might also be required. Overtime may be available.

Employers are waste management companies and local authorities. Opportunities for recycling advisors occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

What’s happening in this work area?

The recycling industry is expected to see a lot of growth in the next few years. New workers will be needed to operate and maintain recycling machinery.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services.

Entry routes and training

You don’t need qualifications to get into this job. However, relevant work experience will always help you to stand out from the crowd.

A level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship is available in the role of waste resource operative.

All training will be on the job. This could lead to various work-related qualifications, such as:

The Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board (WAMITAB) Diplomas at levels 1 and 2.

With experience, and further training, it is possible to move into supervisory roles.

Qualifications

You don’t generally need qualifications to get into this job. However to begin an apprenticeship, you'll need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your apprenticeship programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Any skills gained from practical work will be useful for entry to this career.

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