We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Promote recycling in the community, and run local recycling schemes
- You'll need excellent communication and presentation skills
- You could move into freelance work as an environmental consultant
As a Recycling officer, you'll promote recycling to local communities, schools and the media. You'll develop recycling policies and advise on recycling, waste reduction and environmental issues.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Manage local recycling facilities and collection services
- Report and monitor
- Assess tenders and manage contracts
- Manage budgets and funding applications
- Investigate complaints
- Recruit and train volunteers
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll usually work standard office hours Monday to Friday. You might work overtime if you're setting up new schemes, attending evening meetings or running publicity events. You'll be based in an office, but will also travel in your local area to give talks, attend meetings and visit recycling sites.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with excellent communication and presentation skills, the ability to analyse and interpret figures, management and leadership skills, report writing skills, the ability to manage budgets, IT skills, and the ability to organise, prioritise and meet deadlines.
You'll need to have a full UK or EU driving licence, held for at least 12 months for this role.
Many employers will ask for an HNC, HND or degree in waste management or environmental sciences, accredited by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).
Paid or unpaid experience working in waste management, or on local recycling or environmental projects, can help you get in if you don't have a higher education qualification.
You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you need for this job, like a Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Sustainable Waste Management.
You could also start by doing an advanced or higher apprenticeship in sustainable resource management. You could also do an environmental practitioner degree apprenticeship.
CAREER PROSPECTS
You could move into freelance work as an environmental consultant. With further study you could become a chartered waste manager.