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Garbage Collector, Materials Handler, Sanitary Engineer, 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:
| Starting | $25.19 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $28.00 |
| Top | $31.01 |
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
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.
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
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.
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 avoid the spread of disease.
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.
Refuse collectors need to possess:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 18 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 29, 2020 and Jul 22, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Operate various vehicles and equipment | 17 |
|---|---|
| Report any malfunctions to supervisor | 14 |
| Check, lubricate, refuel and clean equipment | 13 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 9 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 7 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Initiative | 6 |
| Truck or Equipment Experience: Road line painting truck | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 5 |
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 15 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 29, 2020 and Jul 22, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Dependability | 14 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 12 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 10 |
| Operate various equipment and machinery | 9 |
| Assist in routine maintenance and repair of equipment | 9 |
| Personal Suitability: Judgement | 5 |
| Load and unload trucks with supplies and equipment | 4 |
| Clean and maintain sidewalks, streets, roads and public grounds | 4 |
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 brake) 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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Refuse collectors work for:
With a high school diploma, refuse collectors may become supervisors or advance to other positions within the company.
In Alberta, refuse collectors are part of two larger 2011 National Occupational Classifications: 7422 Public works and maintenance equipment operators and National Occupational Classification 7621: Public works and maintenance labourers.
79% of people employed in the Public works maintenance equipment operators group work in the following industries:
78% of people employed in the Public works and maintenance labourers group 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 7522: Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
In Alberta, the 7621: Public works and maintenance labourers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 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.
Some refuse collectors employed in the private sector may receive a per-tonne rate in addition to their base salary.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $33.91 | $25.19 | $27.00 |
| Overall | $18.00 | $37.30 | $28.00 | $27.55 |
| Top | $20.00 | $44.08 | $31.01 | $31.00 |
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.
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.
| Public Administration | $64,098 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $54,602 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $53,137 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $44,559 |
| Construction | $42,253 |
| Manufacturing | $40,866 |
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $31.10 | $24.23 | $25.71 |
| Overall | $17.27 | $33.04 | $26.04 | $25.71 |
| Top | $18.00 | $34.85 | $27.60 | $29.71 |
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.
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.
| Public Administration | $50,476 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $48,494 |
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.