Assess waste type

Identify waste materials during collection and sorting operations which can either be recycled, disposed of, or otherwise treated, in order to assess the way in which they need to be treated and sorted.

evaluating waste type
evaluate waste type
assessing waste type
waste type assessing
waste type evaluating

skill/competence

sector-specific

Assess waste type is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Recycling worker: Recycling workers clean materials and remove waste, and ensure the waste and collected materials are sorted in the appropriate recycling containers. They also dismantle vehicles and sort the parts collected, and deposit recyclable materials onto conveyor belts where they can be further sorted.
Hazardous waste technician: Hazardous waste technicians dispose of materials that have been in contact with or are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic or a combination of the aforementioned hazardous traits. They remove the waste from industrial facilities or households and transport them to a treatment facility to ensure they are treated and disposed of according to regulations. They may also advise on the proper treatment of hazardous waste, and aid in the clean-up of hazardous waste spills.
Refuse collector: Refuse collectors remove waste from homes and other facilities and put it in the bin lorry so it can be transported to a treatment and disposal facility. They assist the driver of the bin lorry, help unload the waste, and record the amount of refuse collected. They may also collect waste from construction and demolition sites, and hazardous waste.
Solid waste operator: Solid waste operators operate and maintain solid waste treatment and distribution equipment, and test samples to monitor pollution. They assist in the collection and disposal of solid waste, such as construction and demolition debris, and ensure treatment is compliant to safety regulations. They ensure community waste containers are emptied, ensure proper differentiation between waste which needs to be recycled or disposed of, and monitor equipment.
Sorter labourer: Sorter labourers sort recyclable materials and waste from a recycling stream, and ensure no unsuitable materials wind up among the recyclable materials. They inspect the materials and perform cleaning duties, and work in compliance with waste regulations.

Assess waste type is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Liquid waste treatment plant operator: Liquid waste treatment technicians remove hazardous chemicals and pollutants from liquid waste such as oil so that it can be safely used for new applications. They operate and maintain liquid waste treatment equipment, monitor operations, and test samples to ensure the safety standards are met.
Refuse vehicle driver: Refuse vehicle drivers drive the large vehicles used for refuse collection. They drive the vehicles from the homes and facilities where the refuse is collected by the refuse collectors on the lorry and transport the waste to the waste treatment and disposal facilities.
Incinerator operator: Incinerator operators tend incineration machines which burn refuse and waste. They ensure the equipment is maintained, and that the incineration process occurs in accordance with safety regulations for the incineration of waste.
Landfill supervisor: Landfill supervisors coordinate the activities and operations of landfills and landfill staff. They research legislation concerning waste management and ensure the operations of the landfill are compliant, and direct waste disposal operations.
Asbestos abatement worker: Asbestos abatement workers remove asbestos from buildings and other constructions, compliant with health and safety regulations concerning the handling of hazardous materials. They investigate the intensity of the asbestos contamination, prepare the structure for removal, and prevent contamination of other areas.
Building exterior cleaner: Building exterior cleaners remove dirt and litter from a building’s exterior, as well as perform restoration tasks. They ensure the cleaning methods are compliant with safety regulations, and monitor the exteriors to ensure they are in proper condition.
Waste treatment engineer: Waste treatment engineers design processes, facilities and equipment used in the collection, treatment, and distribution of waste. They research environmental standards and policies in order to optimise waste treatment procedures and ensure minimal strain on the environment by analysing and classifying the processed waste.

References

1. Assess waste type – ESCO