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Materials Handler, Recycling Waste Handler, Waste Handler
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $17.40 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $21.19 |
| Top | $26.53 |
Interest in comparing information to clean work areas and equipment
Interest in handling to transport raw materials, finished products and equipment throughout plant manually and using powered equipment
Interest in checking and weighing materials and products
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Municipal recycling waste handlers work at a depot or warehouse. They sort bulk loads of waste paper, glass, and other recyclable waste. Duties vary depending on the employer but, in general, handlers:
Some recycling waste handlers work in commercial bottle-return depots. They may also calculate payments and pay customers for returned materials.
Municipal recycling waste handlers often work shifts. They are on their feet most of time. They may need to lift items weighing up to 20 kilograms. They must follow safety measures. For instance, they must wear hard hats, gloves, safety shoes, and safety glasses. They must not wear loose clothing when working near conveyor belts.
The work setting can be dusty, dirty, and sometimes smelly. Depending on indoor space, some materials may be sorted outside.
Municipal recycling waste handlers need to possess:
Some handlers deal with the public. They must be pleasant and courteous toward a wide variety of people.
Municipal recycling waste handlers should enjoy:
There are no formal education requirements for recycling waste handlers. However, a high school diploma is a definite asset for advancement.
Municipal recycling waste handlers are trained on the job. Some handlers operate small front-end loaders and forklifts. They must qualify for the required certification.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Recycling waste handlers may work for:
In large operations, with time on the job, handlers may become supervisors.
Municipal recycling waste handlers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9619: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the J319: Other Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In general, earnings for municipal recycling waste handlers are much lower than these figures suggest.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $12.20 | $22.10 | $17.40 | $17.00 |
| Overall | $12.20 | $29.62 | $21.19 | $20.01 |
| Top | $13.46 | $37.87 | $26.53 | $24.50 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Manufacturing | $47,284 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $42,578 |
| Agriculture | $41,209 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $39,179 |
| Retail Trade | $38,474 |
| Wholesale Trade | $31,733 |
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.