Spotlights
Heavy Equipment Supervisor, Recycle Coordinator, Recycling Coordinator, Recycling Manager, Recycling Program Manager, Recycling Specialist, Route Supervisor, Solid Waste Division Supervisor, Waste Reduction Coordinator
Trash is a part of our daily lives, and we produce a massive amount of it! Each day, Americans generate around 800,000 tons of solid waste, also known as trash or garbage. This includes everything from food scraps to discarded boxes, bottles, yard trimmings, and more. While some of this waste gets recycled, most of it ends up in landfills.
Solid Waste Technicians are the behind-the-scenes heroes who deal with all this garbage! They work for local government agencies, private companies, and recycling facilities, collecting solid waste and transporting it to where it needs to go. They handle waste from residential areas as well as commercial and industrial sites.
Some positions require technicians to sort recyclables, monitor waste processing equipment, and conduct waste audits. They may even take part in composting initiatives or handling hazardous waste disposal, all while following strict safety and environmental guidelines.
It might not seem glamorous, but many workers in this field report high job satisfaction rates. While we might not always notice their hard work, Solid Waste Technicians play a vital role in our communities. Just imagine what life would be like without them!
- Contributing to public health and environmental protection efforts
- Job stability with projected growth in the coming years
- Getting to work outdoors versus being stuck in an office all day
- Variety of work-related tasks and responsibilities
Working Schedule
Solid Waste Technicians typically work full-time, with the potential for early morning or late evening shifts. They may work in residential neighborhoods, industrial sites, landfills, and recycling facilities.
Typical Duties
Not all Solid Waste Technicians perform the same duties. For example, some may work mainly at landfills or recycling centers. Others may focus more on collection and transportation.
Below is a list of potential duties depending on specific job and employer requirements.
- Drive waste collection vehicles. Follow assigned routes and schedules to collect and transport waste from residential, commercial, and industrial sites to end destinations.
- Operate landfill equipment such as compactors, dozers, trucks, and waste collection vehicles.
- Sort recyclables and hazardous waste from general waste streams.
- Monitor waste disposal processes to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Perform maintenance and basic repairs on work-related vehicles, machinery, and associated equipment.
- Coordinate the sorting and separation of recyclable materials.
- Monitor and maintain environmental systems, such as leachate and gas collection systems.
- Maintain records of operations, including waste audits, disposal activities, and equipment usage.
- Ensure safety protocols are followed by staff and visitors at all times.
- Collaborate with other professionals to implement waste reduction and recycling programs.
Additional Duties
- Inspect landfill sites to identify and fix problems.
- Collect and share data to support environmental protection efforts.
- Help clean up dump sites. Handle and dispose of hazardous materials following safety protocols.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Schedule vehicle, machine, and equipment maintenance and repair, as needed.
- Report operational issues and violations to management or appropriate agencies.
- Anticipate problems and study contingency plans. Be ready to respond to emergencies.
- Support site expansion or closure projects.
- Engage in suitable training. Keep up with industry practices and technologies.
Soft Skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Customer service orientation
- Dependability
- Environmental awareness
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Physical stamina
Technical Skills
- Safe use and maintenance of vehicles, compactors, and other machinery.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal waste management laws and regulations.
- Waste sorting (recyclables, compostable materials, and hazardous waste)
- Hazardous materials handling
- Record-keeping (logging waste collections, vehicle maintenance, incidents, etc.)
- Safety procedures, including proper wear of personal protective equipment
- Basic mechanical skills
- Municipal waste management departments
- Private waste disposal companies
- Recycling facilities
- Environmental consulting firms
- Hazardous waste management companies
Solid Waste Technicians ensure all types of trash are handled safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable policies, regulations, and laws. This requires a commitment to public health and environmental protection.
The shifts can be long and the work can be physically demanding, often involving heavy lifting and exposure to various weather conditions. Technicians may need to work early or late evening shifts. They’ll often encounter unpleasant odors and possibly hazardous materials that require following strict safety protocols.
Because so much solid waste is produced, there are many trends related to reducing waste and improving processing methods. For example, AI-powered sorting machines and sensor-equipped waste bins are boosting the efficiency of waste collection and recycling while cutting labor costs and optimizing routes.
Zero-waste initiatives and circular economy models are decreasing waste through reuse, recycling, and composting. Meanwhile, governments are enforcing tougher disposal regulations for companies, particularly for those that generate hazardous and plastic waste.
Many areas are implementing bans or restrictions on single-use plastics, leading waste management companies to boost their ability to process plastic alternatives. Waste-to-energy plants are converting non-recyclable waste into electricity and fuel, reducing landfill reliance, but there are concerns about the harmful emissions created by this process.
Other trends include curbside composting for organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings, increased public education on recycling practices and waste reduction, and sustainable waste management strategies such as extended producer responsibility programs.
Solid Waste Technicians are typically practical, hands-on individuals who enjoy working outdoors. Many have a sense of environmental responsibility and enjoy recycling and participating in community cleanups.
- A high school diploma or GED is required to enter this field. Most training is conducted on the job.
- Solid Waste Technicians usually need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and the ability to lift heavy objects and perform physically demanding tasks.
- Taking a few community college courses may boost your job prospects. Relevant topics may include:
- Waste management principles
- Environmental science
- Hazardous materials handling training
- Recycling and resource recovery techniques
- Environmental regulations related to waste disposal
- Occupational health and safety procedures
- Some employers offer suitable workers tuition reimbursement if they take courses related to environmental safety and waste management.
- Soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, positive work ethic, independence, and teamwork are also crucial.
- Certifications from organizations like the Solid Waste Association of North America are valuable for career advancement.
- Additional preferred qualifications may include:
- Experience operating heavy machinery and landfill equipment
- Basic mechanical skills for equipment maintenance and repair
- Familiarity with state and federal waste disposal regulations
- Basic computer skills for data entry and record-keeping
- Solid Waste Technicians do not need a college degree, but specialized training can be advantageous. Look for courses or certification programs offering hands-on training, internships, or practical experience opportunities.
- Consider the cost of training programs and potential financial aid options. Relevant courses are often offered at local vocational schools, community colleges, and online programs.
- Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has many online and at-home self-study courses covering topics such as:
- Collection & Transfer
- Landfill & Landfill Gas
- Manager of Landfill Operations (MOLO)
- Planning & Management
- Safety Training
- Sustainable Materials Management
* Note, SWANA also offers a certification that validates skills.
- State-issued permits or licenses are necessary to work with or transport certain waste materials, such as asbestos and lead. These permits/licenses usually require passing an exam plus taking continuing classes later.
- Workers may also need to study OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) or other guidelines.
- Those handling nuclear materials must undergo additional training, per the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Additional certifications include:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration - Hazardous Material Endorsement
- Institute of Hazardous Materials Management - Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner
- In high school, take relevant courses in environmental science, biology, and chemistry to build a strong foundation in waste management and environmental protection.
- Decide what level of education and training you want to pursue before applying for jobs.
- Learn about certifications or additional training that could enhance your skills, such as waste disposal protocols, hazardous waste handling, or composting programs.
- Optional certifications, such as those from the one offered by SWANA, can boost your employability!
- Consider taking some vocational or community college courses related to working on or operating vehicles, machines, and other equipment.
- Get your driver’s license and consider earning your commercial driver’s license, too. Make sure to keep a clean driving record!
- Look for part-time jobs, internships, or apprenticeships at local waste management facilities, recycling centers, or public works departments to gain hands-on experience.
- Participate in environmental clubs or community clean-up events.
- Study books, online articles, and video tutorials related to waste management practices to stay updated on industry trends and advancements.
- Network with professionals by requesting informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities with Solid Waste Technicians or environmental professionals.
- Build a working resume that includes your experience in waste management projects.
- Search job portals like Indeed, SimplyHired, Glassdoor, and local government websites.
- Review job postings in advance to understand typical requirements such as certifications, preferred work experience, and necessary skills.
- Be open to entry-level roles such as Waste Collector, Recycling Assistant, internships, and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Seek advice from experienced Solid Waste Technicians to gain insights into job-seeking strategies and industry trends.
- Connect with your school’s career center for help with resumes, job fairs, and mock interviews.
- Prepare for interviews by learning about current trends in waste management, such as automation, recycling technologies, or zero-waste initiatives. Brush up on industry terminology, too!
- Dress appropriately for interviews and demonstrate professionalism.
- Stay physically fit so you’ll be ready for the physical nature of the job.
- Keep close track of your work schedule so you’ll be on time!
- Demonstrate a strong work ethic and attention to detail in all tasks. Show initiative by identifying opportunities for waste management improvements.
- Learn all aspects of your job, inside and out. Study policies, standard operating procedures, regulations, equipment manuals, and so on.
- Pursue additional training or certification to advance your knowledge and skills. Ask your supervisor if there are specific classes or courses you should take to qualify for advancement.
- Build strong relationships with colleagues by focusing on teamwork and safety.
- Keep up with industry trends and changes, such as waste-to-energy systems or AI-powered sorting technologies.
- Volunteer for leadership roles or special projects to demonstrate your capabilities. Pay attention to job openings in your organization.
- Consider applying to work for a larger employer that may have more room for you to grow your career.
Websites
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
- American Industrial Hygiene Association
- Department of Energy
- Department of Transportation
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Environmental Protection Agency Waste Management
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Hazardous Materials Society
- Hazardous Waste Clean-Up Information (CLU-IN)
- Institute of Hazardous Materials Management
- International Solid Waste Association
- Laborers’ International Union of North America
- Mine Safety and Health Administration
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
- National Safety Council
- National Waste & Recycling Association
- Nuclear Energy Institute
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration
- Recycling Today
- Resource Recycling
- Restoration Industry Association
- Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
- Waste & Recycling Magazine
- Waste Dive
- Waste Management World
- World Health Organization
Magazines and Journals
- Environmental Science & Technology
- Environmental Science and Pollution Research
- HazMat Management Magazine
- Industrial Safety & Hygiene News
- Journal of Environmental Management
- Journal of Hazardous Materials
- Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
- Occupational Health & Safety Magazine
- Safety+Health Magazine
Books
- Handbook of Solid Waste Management, by George Tchobanoglous
- Recycling and Resource Recovery Engineering: Principles of Waste Processing, by Richard I. Stessel
- The Waste-Free World: How the Circular Economy Will Take Less, Make More, and Save the Planet, by Ron Gonen
Solid Waste Technicians play a critical role in ensuring environmental and public health. However, if you're curious about other career options, related occupations include:
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialist
- Conservation Scientist
- Construction Laborer
- Environmental Compliance Inspector
- Environmental Engineering Technologist
- Environmental Health and Safety Officer
- Environmental Scientist
- Explosives Worker
- Firefighter
- Geological Technician
- Hazardous Waste Specialist
- Health and Safety Engineer
- Highway Maintenance Worker
- Hydrologist
- Industrial Hygienist
- Insulation Worker
- Materials Scientist
- Microbiologist
- Mining and Geological Engineer
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Ordnance Handling Expert
- Public Health Officer
- Public Works Maintenance Worker
- Recycling and Reclamation Worker
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector
- Septic Tank Servicer and Sewer Pipe Cleaner
- Water/Wastewater Engineer
- Water Resource Specialist
- Wildlife Biologist