Garbage collectors collect garbage and recycling from homes and businesses using trucks and equipment, and also maintain and clean the equipment. They must have good communication and customer service skills, and report any issues to supervisors. The job is physically demanding and requires early starts, but can lead to advancement opportunities.
A garbage collector is employed by the government or private companies to collect garbage and recycling in homes and commercial businesses. The operation of trucks and equipment is the primary responsibility of a garbage collector, as most garbage trucks are equipped with lifts to load the garbage directly into the truck. When garbage cannot be collected automatically by the truck’s mechanisms, the garbage collector physically loads the bags onto the truck.
Garbage collection is a physically demanding job that requires constant attention and focus on the safe operation of the equipment. Customer service is also a primary responsibility of garbage collectors, as they may encounter customer issues along the way every day. All problems are usually logged and reported to the appropriate department of the waste collection company. The garbage collector informs its customers of problems with its collection or collection of garbage through direct communication or by notice at the customer’s door, mailbox or garbage receptacle.
Sometimes maintenance and cleaning of the equipment is carried out by the garbage collector who operates it. This depends on the government or company running the garbage service, as some may have specific individuals whose job it is to maintain the trucks and elevators. Garbage collectors check their equipment for proper operation each day before leaving to ensure it is in working order.
Communication is another important function of a garbage collector’s job. In addition to customer service issues, the collector must mark each successful collection on a system of record to record successful collection, additional collection charges, and missed schedules. Commercial garbage collection may have additional information that needs to be collected about garbage type, hazardous material, and waste removal services. Any problems with equipment, other people, or the route itself are reported to supervisors and garbage collection management.
On any garbage collection truck, there are usually several garbage collectors, each with its own role. The first is the truck driver, and this position requires a commercial driver’s license with special permits or restrictions depending on regional law. Other people on the truck are responsible for picking up the garbage directly, monitoring the mechanical arm and keeping records.
The day starts early for a garbage collector, usually starting before sunrise. Training to be a garbage collector usually combines classroom safety and equipment operation, and most of the time is spent on on-the-job training. It is possible to advance from garbage collector to a supervisor or role in company management.
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