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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:
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.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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.
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:
Some handlers deal with the public. They must be pleasant and courteous toward a wide variety of people.
Municipal recycling waste handlers should enjoy:
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 08, 2023 and May 31, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Perform other labouring and elemental activities | 89 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Sort, pack, crate and package materials and products | 87 |
| Tasks: Clean machines and immediate work areas | 84 |
| Tasks: Check and weigh materials and products | 81 |
| Tasks: Transport raw materials, finished products and equipment throughout plant manually or using powered equipment | 72 |
| Tasks: Assist machine operators, assemblers and other workers | 67 |
| Experience: Will train | 63 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 53 |
| Attention to detail | 49 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 48 |
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Recycling waste handlers may work for:
In large operations, with time on the job, handlers may become supervisors.
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.
In the 9619: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities occupational group, 76.2% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 9619: Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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
| Public Administration | $68,726 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $44,514 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $44,429 |
| Manufacturing | $41,379 |
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.
