ADOL Logo

Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 53-7081 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
Default
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies. Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition. Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas. Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse. Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites. Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point. Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid. Fill out defective equipment reports. 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. Clean trucks or compactor bodies after routes have been completed. Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $11.16   Entry $23,211.00
Mean $15.42   Mean $32,072.00
Experience $17.55 Experience $36,492.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
2,4702,690325.85
Related Occupations: Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:
Construction Laborers
Dredge Operators
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Molding and Casting Workers
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
No postsecondary schools reported programs.
Occupational Videos
53-7081.00 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors