How To Get A Job As A Garbage Collector – Trash Collector
Garbage Collectors perform an essential service. One has only to live in an area that has suffered through a strike of garbage collectors to appreciate how the job done by sanitation workers is vital for the health of us all, as well as for the beauty of our communities.
Garbage Collectors are required to perform their duties outdoors, in all types of weather. They are out in bitter cold, pouring rain, and blistering heat.
Garbage Collectors work for private waste management companies or for municipal Departments of Public Works. They are scheduled to work an eight hour day, or as long as it takes to complete their route. Garbage Collectors, who work in non-residential areas, may work during the night. The salary of Garbage Collectors is a reflection of the type and size of the area in which they work, as well as the type of waste they handle.
There is an ongoing demand for skilled Garbage Collectors.
Those who wish to get jobs as a Garbage Collector, must be physically fit, have good coordination, and be able to lift and maneuver heavy objects. They must be reliable, and able to work well as part of a team. They must be safety conscious. Some may be required to wear appropriate clothing such as hard hats, heavy gloves, steel-toed boots, and reflective vests. Garbage collectors must be respectful of citizens and their property, and be tolerant of unpleasant odors and messy, dirty, waste. They must be tolerant, putting up with impatient drivers, who vent their annoyance at the collectors, are stopped at the curb, just doing their job. Trash collection can be dangerous, in part because of careless drivers, but also because of the inconsiderate citizens who dispose of carelessly wrapped sharp objects, improperly packaged foul substances, as well as toxic, and even flammable materials that do not belong in garbage receptacles. Garbage Collectors should be able to answer customers questions regarding pick-up times, company policies, and where and how to appropriately dispose of all types of wast including toxic or flammable materials. It is useful for Garbage Collectors to have some mechanical skill.
Garbage Collectors have a variety of duties. They may be required to drive the truck along its designated route. If they are the driver, they will stop as required, and operate the hydraulic equipment that lifts the cans or containers. Other Garbage Collectors, riding on the back of the truck will jump off at each stop and roll the garbage containers to the truck and position them for pick-up. If hydraulic equipment is not available for lifting the containers themselves, the Garbage Collectors must empty the cans or bags directly onto a large rear bin which can then be raised, by the driver, and dumped into the truck. Containers must be returned to their appropriate location. If garbage is spilled, the Garbage Collectors must clean it up before moving ahead. Some Garbage Collectors pick up recyclable materials which they may or may not be required to sort. When the route is completed, the garbage and recyclables are taken to different areas where they are dealt with by other sanitation workers. Some Collectors pick up toxic and flammable wastes. This waste is taken to separate sites to be dealt with appropriately.
Education
Those who wish to become Garbage Collectors should get their high school diploma. Although this is not always required, it is wise to have especially if you wish to be promoted, or if later in life you choose to change careers.
While in high school it would be wise to take courses in English, computers, mathematics and anything available that relates to mechanics.
Most refuse collecting companies require that their employees are at least eighteen years of age. Employees may also need to pass a drug test.
Garbage Collectors who drive the trucks will need a commercial driver’s license, as well as training in the handling of hydraulic lifting and compacting equipment.
Garbage Collectors, who handle toxic of flammable waste, will need special training in dealing with these materials.
Once employed, Garbage Collectors will receive on-the-job training, from the company or municipality where they are to work.
Garbage Collectors who wish to advance in their careers should consider taking courses in waste management methods and policies. With extra training and experience, Garbage Collectors can advance to become trainers or supervisors.
