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Waste Management Officer

A Waste Management Officer collects and processes waste, operates machinery, and sorts materials for recycling, requiring physical fitness and teamwork.

How do I become a waste management officer

Get qualified to work as a waste management officer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Waste Management Officer.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Waste Management Officer generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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This industry has seen a slight decrease in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 2,800 people working as a Waste Management Officer in Australia and this number is expected to remain stable over the next five years. Waste Management Officers may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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If you’re planning a career as a Waste Management Officer, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Waste Management. This course will give you the skills you need to work in a waste processing facility, including identifying and segregating waste, conducting waste resource recovery, identifying hazards, responding to waste management emergencies, following WHS procedures, operating waste processing plant, carrying out waste assessments and operating waste collection vehicles.

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Further reading

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Waste Management Officer careers

A Waste Management Officer collects and processes waste products. You might drive a waste collection vehicle to collect rubbish from homes, businesses or industrial operations. You might also operate other waste processing machinery such as compactors or separators. Waste Management Officers might sort waste for recycling or prepare waste for disposal.

Waste Management Officers should be physically fit and able to carry out a range of manual labour tasks. It’s important that you are safety focused and can work as part of a team. Waste Management Officers need strong attention to detail and should be able to prioritise their tasks when required.