How to become a Garbage Collector
Garbage collectors collect household, commercial and industrial waste for disposal or recycling.
Personal requirements of a Garbage Collector
- Enjoy outdoor and practical work
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Education & Training for a Garbage Collector
You can work as a garbage collector without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. You can also become a garbage collector through a traineeship in Waste Management. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. For more details, see Section 2. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.
Duties & Tasks of a Garbage Collector
Garbage collectors may perform the following tasks:
- ride in or on garbage trucks
- collect waste and load it into bins or trucks
- return empty domestic bins to footpaths
- report incidences of graffiti
- operate forklift and compacting equipment
- drive trucks, street-sweeping machines or machinery at rubbish tips.
Working conditions for a Garbage Collector
Garbage collectors may operate their own business or work within a partnership collecting garbage bags and other rubbish from domestic and commercial premises. Garbage collectors work outdoors in all weather conditions. They may work early in the morning and at night.
Employment Opportunities for a Garbage Collector
Most garbage collectors work for private rubbish removal companies. Their services are then contracted by local councils and corporations. With experience and further training, it is possible to progress to supervisory and management positions.
