Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Working Life

Refuse collectors remove household rubbish and collect industrial and commercial waste. Household waste collectors usually work in teams of two to five loaders plus a driver.  
 
Householders usually leave the bins at the roadside for emptying.

Loaders push the bins to the back of the truck where the bins are attached to an automatic lifting and tipping mechanism. The loaders operate controls at the rear of the truck to compress the rubbish.  
 
Loaders help the driver to manoeuvre the truck by giving directions and hand signals. They may also assist at the disposal site.  

Driving a refuse wagon is a specialist job. Drivers may have supervisory responsibility for the crew. They may also deal with members of the public if there are any problems.

Drivers are also responsible for the vehicle and make daily routine maintenance checks. To be a driver you will need a HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving licence.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.
• Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
• Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
• Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse.
• Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.
• Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point.
• Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
• Fill out defective equipment reports.
• Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems.
• Check road or weather conditions to determine how routes will be affected.

Further Information

• Refuse Collector- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Often a trial period is involved at the start of employment. The work can require route planning and the physicality of lifting and moving objects as required. 

Key Skill Certs:

• Manual Handling 
• Tachograph card for Refuse Truck drivers
• Type C vehicle/ HGV Driver License
• SafePass 
• Hazchem

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder. 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €39k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed.ie/ Erieri

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Window cleaners, Street cleaners, Cleaners and domestics, Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers, Refuse and salvage occupations, Vehicle valeters and cleaners, Elementary cleaning occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment levels for cleaners fell in 2020 and 2021 as a result of COVID-19 restrictions; employment has grown strongly since 2022 although the employment growth rate was below average. Over two-thirds of those employed were female, over half worked part-time, almost a quarter were aged 55 years or over and 42% were non-Irish citizens, with the shares for each of these categories being above the national average.

The level of educational attainment for those employed as cleaners was below average; 30% had attained at most a lower secondary education and a further 54% had attained a higher secondary/FET level of education.

Recent job hires in 2023 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is occurring in this role.

• Road Safety Authority (RSA)

  • Moy Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co.Mayo
  • (096) 25000 / LoCall 1890 506080
  • [email protected]
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• Health and Safety Authority

  • The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce St. Dublin 1
  • 1890 289 389
  • [email protected]
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