Recycling operative
Collect and sort rubbish that can be used for a new purpose rather than just thrown away.
Also known as: recycling officer, kerbside collector
About the job
What it's like
You'd go to people’s homes and businesses and collect rubbish that can be used for a new purpose rather than being thrown away.
Your work would help people and industries re-use resources and reduce their impact on the environment.
You’d collect recyclable materials, such as:
glass
paper
plastics
metals
textiles
You would:
empty recycling boxes and wheelie bins into the collection vehicle
put the boxes and bins back and make sure nothing has been left behind
check that the right kind of materials have been put out for recycling
sort recyclables at the kerbside
use machinery to help you lift and sort items at the waste collection site and the recycling site
work on the conveyor belt at a waste plant, sorting waste and removing non-recyclable items
inspect materials for any contamination
speak to members of the public about recycling schemes
clean and maintain equipment
In some jobs you could also drive the waste collection vehicle.
You’d need to do a lot of lifting so fitness and stamina would be important. You’d also need to follow health and safety rules.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'd generally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with possible overtime when necessary. In many jobs you'd start work very early in the morning.
Environment
This job can be physically demanding and most collection work would be outdoors in all weather conditions.
Travel
You'd travel from building to building to collect rubbish. For some jobs you may need a driving licence.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Other careers that you might like
Refuse collector
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- waste management
- machinery
- auditing
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- concentrating
- time management
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Environmental Science
Practical Craft Skills
There are no set qualifications to enter this job but qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5 may be of value.
Qualifications and experience that show physical fitness, health and safety and recycling skills.
Work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Sustainable Resource Operations (SVQ Level 2/3) can be helpful when entering this role or can be achieved once you're in work.
Some employers may require you to have a driving licence.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Recycling operative'
