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Waste collector vs recycling collections driver

The differences between waste collectors and recycling collections drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a waste collector, becoming a recycling collections driver takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a recycling collections driver has an average salary of $32,074, which is higher than the $29,657 average annual salary of a waste collector.

The top three skills for a waste collector include waste containers, hoisting and federal laws. The most important skills for a recycling collections driver are CDL, dot regulations, and hoisting.

Waste collector vs recycling collections driver overview

Waste CollectorRecycling Collections Driver
Yearly salary$29,657$32,074
Hourly rate$14.26$15.42
Growth rate6%4%
Number of jobs3,928565,955
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 52%
Average age4348
Years of experience122

Waste collector vs recycling collections driver salary

Waste collectors and recycling collections drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Waste CollectorRecycling Collections Driver
Average salary$29,657$32,074
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $40,000Between $23,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityEl Dorado Hills, CA-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyUniversity of Houston-
Best paying industryGovernment-

Differences between waste collector and recycling collections driver education

There are a few differences between a waste collector and a recycling collections driver in terms of educational background:

Waste CollectorRecycling Collections Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 52%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeGeneral Studies
Most common college--

Waste collector vs recycling collections driver demographics

Here are the differences between waste collectors' and recycling collections drivers' demographics:

Waste CollectorRecycling Collections Driver
Average age4348
Gender ratioMale, 90.0% Female, 10.0%Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 2.8% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.0%Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 3.4% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between waste collector and recycling collections driver duties and responsibilities

Waste collector example responsibilities.

  • Operate automated and semi-automate hoisting devices that rise refuse bins into openings in truck bodies.
  • Used pitch forks, shovels and similar hand tools to pick up general refuse and trash from curbside and other areas.
  • Return products to Comcast corporate locations

Recycling collections driver example responsibilities.

  • Preform complete pre-trip inspections including driver check-in procedures upon vehicle return.
  • Return products to Comcast corporate locations

Waste collector vs recycling collections driver skills

Common waste collector skills
  • Waste Containers, 27%
  • Hoisting, 15%
  • Federal Laws, 11%
  • Recyclable Materials, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Waste Materials, 5%
Common recycling collections driver skills
  • CDL, 76%
  • DOT Regulations, 12%
  • Hoisting, 12%

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