GARBAGE COLLECTORS AND DRIVERS California Occupational Guide Number 460 Interest Area 5-C 1995
THE JOB
GARBAGE COLLECTOR DRIVERS operate garbage trucks on assigned routes to pick up garbage and waste for deposit in landfill areas. Truck operations may be carried out by one worker-driver or a team of two workers. Collections can be done by a single worker who drives automated trucks that lift and dump containers with a hydraulic lift. Drivers must inspect mechanical and safety equipment on collection trucks daily. After the inspection they report any mechanical problems to the chief mechanic and supervisor and fill out any needed reports for defective equipment.
Drivers must keep informed of road and weather conditions and report significant problems to their supervisors. When cans or bins are overflowing or contain unsuitable waste, drivers tag the container to inform customers why it was rejected and to describe the standards for proper disposal.
Garbage Collectors assist drivers with truck inspections and reports of malfunctions. En route, they are safety observers. They move garbage containers to trucks, empty them and then return them to curb side. Both driver and collector may team up to empty large garbage bins in apartment complexes and commercial disposal sites.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Garbage Collectors work outside in the cold, darkness, and sometimes bad weather. Sometimes, they must fend off dogs or avoid devices installed to keep intruders out of various kinds of garbage. They usually wear protective clothing provided by the employer, but workers still get dirty.
Workers are occasionally exposed to risks of a number of different hazards, including chemical burns, broken glass, and overloaded containers, as well as low over-hanging tree limbs. Foul odors and dust from carelessly filled refuse cans and pests such as ants and flies are part of the work, but risk can be reduced through the use of masks and goggles. Trash collectors lift 40 to 80 pound containers into the truck or push bins weighing as much as 1,000 pounds when full.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Garbage Collectors
Estimated number of workers in 1990 12,850 Estimated number of workers in 2005 16,450 Projected Growth, 1990-2005 28% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 6,130
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
A slightly better than average growth rate is expected over the next five years for Garbage Collector jobs. Metropolitan areas use more efficient collection methods and truck-mounted mechanical arms to handle garbage. Garbage is collected by the driver, who manipulates the levers that operate the mechanical arms from within the truck cab; this one-person operation has eliminated many jobs for non-driving collectors.
Garbage Collector Drivers
The following figures represent the broad occupational group Truck Drivers, Heavy that includes Garbage Collector Drivers.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 107,240 Estimated number of workers in 2005 146,220 Projected Growth, 1990-2005 36% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 41,020
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Garbage Collection Drivers are part of the occupational group whose jobs are expected to increase faster than average throughout this decade. In fact, jobs for heavy truck drivers are among the fifty fastest growing in the State. Greater awareness of our ecology and stepped-up activities to halt the rapid depletion of the Earth's resources have expanded the entire recycling industry. Efficient collection of recyclable household and commercial waste such as plastic and metal containers in major cities should spur some job growth.
Workers with Class B, Commercial driver's licenses have the best chances of finding a job.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The majority of Garbage Collectors begin work at 3:00 a.m. There is very often overtime which carries the workday into late afternoon or early evening. Overtime wages are usually time and one half. Some municipalities and private companies offer bonuses for safety and productivity.
Common fringe benefits are paid vacation and sick leave, retirement plans and medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Some Garbage Collectors get uniforms or uniform allowances.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Drivers must have a valid California Class B, Commercial driver's license and have a good driving record. The work may require physical strength, agility and the ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds. Garbage Collectors and Drivers must read, write, and speak well enough to complete necessary paperwork and communicate with customers. On-the-job training is from two weeks to a month.
Medical exams are part of the qualification requirements to get a Commercial Driver's License; drivers must take an annual medical exam to keep their license. Most employers also give pre-employment medical exams. Knowledge concerning the safe handling of hazardous materials is a plus for job seekers.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotional opportunities are limited. Garbage Collectors can promote to Garbage Collector Driver positions, and a limited number can advance to garbage-collection supervisor. Some drivers move into related local trucking and dispatching operations.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should apply directly to private garbage collection companies, cities, and counties for garbage collectors jobs. They should also contact the local California Employment Development Department Job Service. Other job titles used for this occupation are solid waste collector, trash collector, and refuse collector.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Refuse Removal Council 3972 North Waterman, Suite 103 San Bernardino, CA 92404 (909) 883-8701
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Bus Drivers No. 2 Truck Drivers, Heavy No. 255
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Garbage Collector Driver 905.663-010 Garbage Collector 955.687-022
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Truck Drivers, Heavy or Tractor Trailer 971020 Refuse Collectors 987050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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