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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:
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 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:
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 31 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 02, 2021 and Jan 25, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 17 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 17 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 16 |
| Check, lubricate, refuel and clean equipment | 14 |
| Tasks: Operate various vehicles and equipment | 14 |
| Tasks: Report any malfunctions to supervisor | 14 |
| Operate various vehicles and equipment | 13 |
| Tasks: Check, lubricate, refuel and clean equipment | 13 |
| Long term benefits: Other benefits | 11 |
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 32 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 02, 2021 and Jan 25, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 14 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Dependability | 13 |
| Operate various equipment and machinery | 13 |
| Assist in routine maintenance and repair of equipment | 12 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Judgement | 8 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Power mowers | 8 |
| Tasks: Operate various equipment and machinery | 8 |
| Tasks: Assist in routine maintenance and repair of equipment | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 7 |
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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 | $18.00 | $41.23 | $28.27 | $27.40 |
| Overall | $23.00 | $47.75 | $32.07 | $30.77 |
| Top | $28.00 | $48.51 | $34.76 | $34.14 |
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 | $65,587 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $64,227 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $59,273 |
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 | $16.00 | $41.35 | $27.16 | $28.22 |
| Overall | $17.93 | $45.36 | $30.31 | $31.24 |
| Top | $19.12 | $51.80 | $31.50 | $31.50 |
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 | $57,234 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $56,352 |
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.