Occupation AtlasRefuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
O*NET · 53-7081.00
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
Also called Collector · Disposal Man · Disposal Worker · Dumpman · Front Load Trash Truck Driver · Front Loader Residential Driver · Garbage Collection Sanitation Engineer · Garbage Collector
38 more
Garbage Man · Garbage Person · Garbage Pick Up Man · Garbage Pick Up Worker · Garbage Worker · Junkman · Limb Driver · Recyclable Materials Collector · Recycle Driver · Recycle Worker · Recycler · Recycling Attendant · Recycling Collections Driver · Recycling Specialist · Refuse Collector · Refuse Driver · Residential Recycle Driver · Roll Off Container Truck Driver · Roll Off Driver · Roll Off Truck Driver · Rubbish Collector · Sanitation Engineer · Sanitation Laborer · Sanitation Truck Driver · Sanitation Worker · Scrap Metal Collector · Solid Waste Collection Worker · Solid Waste Collector · Solid Waste Driver · Solid Waste Laborer · Swamper · Thrower · Trash Collection Sanitation Engineer · Trash Collector · Trash Man · Truck Driver · Waste Collector · Waste Man
Compare with another occupationCompare with Rock Splitters, Quarry
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic7.00
- C Conventional4.53
- I Investigative1.83
- E Enterprising1.36
- S Social1.29
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (45%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (81%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (69%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Operation and ControlImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Operations MonitoringImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- SpeakingbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.8Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
- Time ManagementImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- MonitoringbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
Show the other 23
- WritingbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- RepairingImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Service OrientationImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.3Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- PersuasionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- InstructingImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Systems AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.8
- Systems EvaluationImportance 1.4Level 0.8
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
11 core · 3 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.Importance 4.5
- Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.Importance 4.4
- Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.Importance 4.3
- Fill out defective equipment reports.Importance 4.3
- Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.Importance 4.3
- Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.Importance 4.1
- Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse.Importance 4.0
- Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point.Importance 4.0
- Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems.Importance 4.0
- Check road or weather conditions to determine how routes will be affected.Importance 3.8
- Clean trucks or compactor bodies after routes have been completed.Importance 3.6
Show the other 3
- Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted.Importance 3.8
- Make special pickups of recyclable materials, such as food scraps, used oil, discarded computers, or other electronic items.Importance 3.4
- Organize schedules for refuse collection.Importance 3.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- MechanicalImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
- English LanguageImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TransportationImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
Show all 33
- MathematicsImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- AdministrativeImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- GeographyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- PhysicsImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- ChemistryImportance 1.3Level —
- DesignImportance 1.2Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- PsychologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Static StrengthImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.1Level 2.6
- Reaction TimeImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
Show all 52
- Near VisionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Information OrderingImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Oral ExpressionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
- Problem SensitivityImportance 2.9Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Speech ClarityImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Speech RecognitionImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Glare SensitivityImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- StaminaImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Rate ControlImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Response OrientationImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Peripheral VisionImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
- VisualizationImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Written ComprehensionImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Night VisionImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Spatial OrientationImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Sound LocalizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 1.6
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- OriginalityImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.0Level —
- Number FacilityImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Getting InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
Show all 41
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Test an automobile transmission
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine the meal selection for a cafeteria
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Organize a work schedule that is repetitive and easy to plan
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Keep up with price changes in a small retail store
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Processing InformationImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
- Working with ComputersImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level —
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.0Level —
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
10 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Tools (10)
- AMCS Platform
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Dossier software
- Fleet management software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Mileage logging software
- Payroll software
- Routeware software
- Squeegee
- WAM software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Rock Splitters, Quarry
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.9, Learning Strategies +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies +0.9, Operation and Control −0.9
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Recycling and Reclamation Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics +0.9, Management of Material Resources +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Equipment Maintenance −0.9, Mathematics +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control −1.0, Equipment Maintenance −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics +1.0, Learning Strategies +0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Meter Readers, Utilities
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics +1.0, Installation +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics +1.0, Management of Material Resources +0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.