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Materials Handler, Sanitary Engineer, Solid Waste Collector, Solid Waste Engineer, Solid Waste Operator, Swamper, 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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Refuse collectors may work alone or in teams with other refuse collectors. In general, they:
Refuse collectors may work in trucks equipped with hydraulic pickers (automated collection arms). Or they may hop off and on trucks to empty bins or throw garbage bags into the truck. In some cases, 2 people may work together, taking turns driving and collecting.
Refuse collectors work in all weather conditions. The garbage can be dirty and smelly. They must follow safety precautions to protect themselves and others from exposure to potentially hazardous materials.
They must also avoid injuries. These may be related to repetitive movements, handling sharp materials, and working in high-traffic areas. Automated collection is becoming the norm. However, refuse collectors may have to lift items weighing more than 20 kilograms.
Refuse collectors may start work early in the morning or work afternoon shifts. The length of their working day varies from one employer to another. Some private sector employees work 10 hours a day, 5 days a week.
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 driving garbage trucks, street cleaning equipment such as street sweepers and other vehicles equipped with rotating brushes, snowploughs and plough blades; sewer maintenance equipment such as rodders and sewer jet cleaners; and trucks equipped with road-sanding and other similar apparatus
Interest in comparing information to maintain streets and repair sewer systems, and to remove garbage and dump loads at designated areas
Interest in checking, lubricating, refuelling and cleaning equipment, and in reporting any malfunctions to supervisors
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.
Interest in comparing to sweep debris and shovel snow from streets, building grounds and other areas; and in loading snow and debris into carts or trucks
Interest in operating jackhammers and drills to break up pavement and power mowers and cutters to cut lawns and grass along roadsides; may operate mobile sidewalk-cleaning equipment
Interest in assisting with routine maintenance and repair of equipment; in assisting equipment operators to secure attachments to equipment and trucks, and in assisting skilled tradespersons such as carpenters, plumbers and mechanics
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.
Refuse collectors need:
They 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 103 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 15, 2021 and Jun 03, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Report any malfunctions to supervisor | 75 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Operate various vehicles and equipment | 72 |
| Tasks: Check, lubricate, refuel and clean equipment | 65 |
| Attention to detail | 54 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 51 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 44 |
| Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence | 43 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 39 |
| Security and Safety: Criminal record check | 34 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Air Brakes Endorsement | 34 |
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 84 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 14, 2022 and May 21, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Assist in routine maintenance and repair of equipment | 44 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Load and unload trucks with supplies and equipment | 38 |
| Tasks: Operate various equipment and machinery | 37 |
| Tasks: Clean and maintain sidewalks, streets, roads and public grounds | 35 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 31 |
| Tasks: Sweep debris and remove snow from streets, sidewalks, building grounds and other areas, and load snow and debris into carts or trucks | 30 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 29 |
| Tasks: Assist skilled tradespersons | 26 |
| Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 25 |
| Tasks: Assist equipment operators to secure attachments to equipment or truck | 25 |
There are no standard education requirements for this position. However, many employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some also expect applicants to pass a medical exam.
Refuse collectors who also drive trucks must have a Class 3 (or greater, depending on the type of truck) license. They should also have an airbrake (“Q”) endorsement. Some employers require applicants to have no more than 2 demerit points on their license. Some will not consider applicants with dangerous or impaired driving convictions. They may require at least 6 months’ related experience. This should be in operating:
Experience manoeuvring large trucks in small spaces is a definite asset.
Refuse collectors are trained on the job. Some employers require employees who drive trucks to pass a defensive-driving program every 3 years.
Supplementary training in recycling and waste management can be an asset.
For a list of driving schools in Alberta, please go to the Alberta Transportation website.
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Refuse collectors work for:
With a high school diploma, refuse collectors may become supervisors or advance to other positions within the company.
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.
Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers
2016 NOC: 7522
81.8% of people in this occupational group work in:
Public works and maintenance labourers
2016 NOC: 7621
82.4% 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.
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.
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.
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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
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.
Some refuse collectors employed in the private sector may receive a per-tonne rate in addition to their base salary.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $21.00 | $34.80 | $26.78 | $25.00 |
| Overall | $21.50 | $37.00 | $30.06 | $30.71 |
| Top | $22.50 | $41.63 | $32.73 | $32.04 |
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $61,619 |
|---|---|
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $66,291 |
| Public Administration | $63,764 |
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 | $16.50 | $33.97 | $21.98 | $22.07 |
| Overall | $17.50 | $36.38 | $25.58 | $25.00 |
| Top | $18.50 | $76.92 | $31.59 | $28.03 |
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $43,707 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $52,479 |
Updated Mar 24, 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.
