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Municipal Recycling Waste Handler: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like the idea of driving a forklift or working with conveyor belts? Are you good at sorting materials? Do you care about recycling? Then you may want to consider a career as a municipal recycling waste handler.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Municipal Recycling Waste Handler

Municipal recycling waste handlers sort recyclable waste materials. These can include glass, plastic, metal, and paper.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Materials Handler, Recycling Waste Handler, Waste Handler

NOC Codes

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.

2006 NOC

  • 9619: Other Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities

2006 NOC-S

  • J319: Other Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities

2011 NOC

  • 9619: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities

2016 NOC

  • 9619: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities

2021 NOC

  • 95109: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities

2023 OaSIS

  • 95109.00: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities
Duties
Updated Mar 23, 2023

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:

  • Confirm that materials are of specified types and grades, and free of contaminants
  • Load materials onto conveyor belts or into bulk loads for inspection
  • Regulate the flow of paper into shredding or baling machines
  • Operate forklifts to move bales of shredded or compressed materials into storage areas
  • Load waste materials onto trucks or trailers
  • Operate hydraulic lift jacks to move bales or loads of bulk paper
  • Help members of the public unload recyclable material

Some recycling waste handlers work in commercial bottle-return depots. They may also calculate payments and pay customers for returned materials.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 23, 2023
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Other Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities

2006 NOC: 9619

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in comparing information to clean work areas and equipment

OBJECTIVE

Interest in handling to transport raw materials, finished products and equipment throughout plant manually and using powered equipment

innovative

Interest in checking and weighing materials and products

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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 for this NOC group 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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 23, 2023

Municipal recycling waste handlers need:

  • The ability to work quickly and steadily for an entire shift
  • The ability to remain alert while doing routine, repetitive tasks
  • The ability to work on their own
  • The ability to manage work on fast conveyor belts without getting motion sick
  • Communication skills

Some handlers deal with the public. They must be pleasant and courteous toward a wide variety of people.

Municipal recycling waste handlers should enjoy:

  • Working methodically
  • Handling materials

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities

2016 NOC: 9619

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 425 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 22, 2024 and May 23, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Clean machines and immediate work areas
Tasks: Perform other labouring and elemental activities
Tasks: Sort, pack, crate and package materials and products
Tasks: Check and weigh materials and products
Tasks: Assist machine operators, assemblers and other workers
Experience: Will train
Attention to detail
Team player
Hand-eye co-ordination
Flexibility
Tasks: Clean machines and immediate work areas 370
Tasks: Perform other labouring and elemental activities 359
Tasks: Sort, pack, crate and package materials and products 358
Tasks: Check and weigh materials and products 332
Tasks: Assist machine operators, assemblers and other workers 322
Experience: Will train 308
Attention to detail 207
Construction Specialization: Team player 200
Hand-eye co-ordination 187
Construction Specialization: Flexibility 170
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 23, 2023
  • Minimum Education Varies

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.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 23, 2023
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 23, 2023

Recycling waste handlers may work for:

  • Cities and towns (municipalities)
  • Nnot-for-profit recycling organizations
  • Privately owned recycling collection services

In large operations, with time on the job, handlers may become supervisors.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities
2016 NOC: 9619

76.2% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities
2021 NOC: 95109
Cold
Job Market
< 1500
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities
2016 NOC: 9619
2.3%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
29
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 23, 2023

In general, earnings for municipal recycling waste handlers are much lower than these figures suggest.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities

2016 NOC: 9619
Average Wage
$21.55
Per Hour
Average Salary
$44,514.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.7
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 9619 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

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.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $32.83 $18.35 $17.00
Overall $15.20 $34.70 $21.55 $21.50
Top $15.40 $37.89 $25.89 $26.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* 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.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $44,514
Manufacturing $41,379
Business, Building and Other Support Services $44,429
Public Administration $68,726

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
61%
61%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
27%
27%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
13%
13%
Vacancy Rate
6%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training

Updated Mar 23, 2023. 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.

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