Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
How AI Impacts Each Task
16 tasks analyzed
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.
Provide quotes for refuse collection contracts.
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.
Clean trucks or compactor bodies after routes have been completed.
Organize schedules for refuse collection.
Sort items set out for recycling and throw materials into designated truck compartments.
Make special pickups of recyclable materials, such as food scraps, used oil, discarded computers, or other electronic items.
Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 15% | |
| Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 25% | |
| Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse. | 65Estimated | 59.0% | 5% | |
| Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 5% | |
| Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 15% | |
| Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 2% | |
| Fill out defective equipment reports. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 2% | |
| Provide quotes for refuse collection contracts. | 35Estimated | 29.0% | 2% | |
| Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems. | 40Estimated | 31.0% | 3% | |
| Check road or weather conditions to determine how routes will be affected. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 3% | |
| Clean trucks or compactor bodies after routes have been completed. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 5% | |
| Organize schedules for refuse collection. | 59.67Observed | 73.1% | 3% | |
| Sort items set out for recycling and throw materials into designated truck compartments. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 5% | |
| Make special pickups of recyclable materials, such as food scraps, used oil, discarded computers, or other electronic items. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 3% | |
| Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted. | 97Estimated | 88.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis