Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Go Back to List Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Facilities management software

Tasks
	Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
	Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
	Fill out defective equipment reports.
	Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
	Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse.
	Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.
	Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point.
	Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems.
	Check road or weather conditions to determine how routes will be affected.
	Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted.

Skills
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Knowledge
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
	Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $53,153.00 $25.56  $18.65  $21.26 - $30.13  Bridgeport/Stamford $56,931.00 $27.37  $20.42  $24.01 - $30.45  Danbury $48,117.00 $23.13  $16.43  $16.74 - $24.35  Hartford $54,204.00 $26.06  $20.17  $23.43 - $29.59  New Haven $51,759.00 $24.88  $18.46  $21.59 - $29.76  New London/Norwich $44,048.00 $21.18  $16.70  $17.20 - $24.57  Waterbury $52,498.00 $25.24  $18.63  $22.14 - $28.86

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   155   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow faster than average, and the number of annual openings will offer good or favorable job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.