Job Details

Waste Collector – Job Description

Role Purpose

The Waste Collector plays a vital role in keeping Newcastle clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable by collecting household, recycling, and commercial waste across the city. Working as part of a team, the postholder will deliver a reliable, high-quality waste collection service while providing excellent customer service to residents and businesses. The role requires a strong commitment to health and safety, teamwork, and maintaining high standards of service delivery in all weather conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect household, recycling, and commercial waste in accordance with agreed collection schedules.
• Work safely and efficiently as part of a waste collection crew to ensure daily routes are completed on time.
• Deliver excellent customer service when interacting with residents, businesses, and colleagues.
• Handle waste and recycling containers safely, ensuring they are returned neatly after collection.
• Report missed collections, damaged bins, contamination, spillages, and other operational issues to the Team Leader.
• Follow all health and safety procedures, including safe manual handling practices and the correct use of PPE.
• Support the council’s commitment to improving recycling rates and environmental standards.
• Maintain a clean and professional image while representing Newcastle City Council.
• Work flexibly across different collection rounds, depots, and locations within the city as required.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of delivering excellent customer service.
• Commitment to delivering a high-quality service and continuously improving performance.
• Understanding of the importance of health and safety in a physical working environment.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and use initiative.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including early starts, late finishes, weekend working, and working from different locations across the city.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and members of the public.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work to deadlines.
• Committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Physical Requirements

This is a physically demanding role. Successful candidates must be able to:

• Walk long distances throughout the working day.
• Repeatedly lift, carry, pull, and move waste containers safely.
• Bend, stoop, and undertake repetitive manual handling tasks.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year.

Behaviours

• Customer focused.
• Team player.
• Reliable and dependable.
• Safety conscious.
• Respectful and professional.
• Positive and adaptable.

Why Join Newcastle City Council?

As a Waste Collector, you will make a direct contribution to keeping Newcastle clean and improving the local environment. You will be part of a dedicated team delivering an essential frontline service that benefits residents, businesses, and communities every day.