The role of a Recycling Officer includes:
- Implementing recycling or re-use schemes covering a wide range of waste materials, such as paper and glass, within local communities.
- Promoting benefits of recycling, for example presentations to schoolchildren and other groups in the community that are interested in environmental issues.
- Managing recycling facilities including bottle, can, paper and textile banks and the promotion of their use.
- Arranging contracts with companies that take away waste material for recycling.
- Advising local businesses on waste disposal.
Some Local Authorities ask people to sort their waste before it is collected. Recycling Officers are responsible for making sure that people have suitable recycling containers. For example, they may be asked to put waste into colour coded bin liners or plastic boxes. Recycling Officers tend to be responsible for the management and promotion of these kerbside schemes
Jennie Moore is an Environmental Projects Officer at Three Rivers District Council, and won the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC), Recycling Officer of the year 2006. Jennie says;
"There are lots of different job roles out there so make sure that you have a look around and see what job suits you best.
Most Recycling Officers roles are very varied so be prepared to get your teeth into lots of different projects. When you have settled into your job make sure you network and make the most out of the organisations that offer training programmes"
Have you got what it takes?
As a Recycling Officer you need to be aware of environmental issues. You need good spoken and written communication skills, and you should enjoy working with the public.
You also need good organisational and planning skills, with good attention to detail.
It is important to have a genuine interest in the environment and recycling schemes and enjoy providing information and advice to a wide range of people.
Steps to starting a career
Recycling Officer's work within Local Authorities or private waste management companies so you should look for employment opportunities in the following places:
- Local Authority or waste management company websites. Click here for a list of Local Authorities.
- Specialist recruitment websites such asLG Jobsand Lets Recycle.
- Chartered Institution of Waste Management
- Local and national press
- Local Government Careers website
More links to companies in the waste management industry.
Find out more about getting into an industry in the Finding Employers section.
What are the entry requirements for this job?
What training will I receive?
How much will I get paid?
How can I progress in this career?
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