Sort waste

Manually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.

organise refuse
perform waste separation activities
categorise waste
arrange waste
conduct activities to separate waste
group waste according to characteristics
perform activities to separate waste
sort rubbish
organise waste
sort refuse
sort garbage
separate waste into different categories

skill/competence

cross-sector

Sort waste is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Bricklayer: Bricklayers assemble brick walls and structures by skilfully laying the bricks in an established pattern, using a binding agent like cement to bond the bricks together. They then fill the joints with mortar or other suitable materials.
Carpenter: Carpenters cut, shape and assemble wooden elements for the construction of buildings and other structures. They also use materials such as plastic and metal in their creations. Carpenters create the wooden frames to support wood framed buildings.
Building cleaner: Building cleaners maintain the cleanliness and overall functionality of various types of buildings such as offices, hospitals and public institutions. They perform cleaning duties like sweeping, vacuuming and mopping floors, empty trash and check security systems, locks and windows. Building cleaners check air conditioning systems and notify the appropriate persons in case of malfunctions or problems.
Ordinary seaman: Ordinary seamen occupy the lowest rank of a maritime ship’s deck crew. They comprise the main labour force on board a boat where they help to operate the ship. They are supervised by the ship captain and the engineer, and can be given instructions by any individuals ranked above them.
Aircraft groomer: Aircraft groomers clean aircraft cabins and airplanes after usage. They vacuum or sweep the interior of cabin, brushes debris from seats, and arranges seat belts. They clean trash and debris from seat pockets and arranged in-flight magazines, safety cards, and sickness bags. They also clean galleys and lavatories.
Materials handler: Materials handlers execute the handling and storage of materials through activities such as loading, unloading and moving articles in a warehouse or storage room. They work according to orders to inspect materials and provide documentation for the handling of items. Materials handlers also manage inventory and ensure the safe disposal of waste.
Roofer: Roofers cover structures with roofs. They install the weight-bearing elements of a roof, either flat or pitched, then cover it with a weatherproof layer.
Warehouse worker: Warehouse workers execute the accurate handling, packing and storage of materials in a warehouse. They receive goods, label them, check quality, store the goods and document any damage. Warehouse workers also monitor stock levels of items, keep inventory and ship goods.
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.

Sort waste 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.

Bricklaying supervisor: Bricklaying supervisors monitor bricklaying activities. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Tyre vulcaniser: Tyre vulcanisers repair tears and holes in castings and treads of tyres by using handtools or machines.
Tyre builder: Tyre builders build pneumatic tyres from rubber components. They operate machines and handtools.
Staircase installer: Staircase installers put in place standard or custom designed staircases between the various levels in buildings. They take the necessary measurements, prepare the site, and install the staircase safely.
Bathroom fitter: Bathroom fitters install bathroom elements. They take the necessary measurements, prepare the room, removing old elements if necessary, and install the new bathroom equipment, including the connection of water, gas and sewage pipes and electricity lines.
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.
Grader operator: Grader operators work with a heavy piece of mobile equipment that creates a flat surface by slicing off the top soil with a large blade. Graders usually provide a flat finish on the heavy earthmoving work performed by the scraper and bulldozer operators.
Road roller operator: Road roller operators work with equipment to compact a variety of materials, such as soil, gravel, concrete or asphalt, in the construction of roads and foundations. They walk behind, or sit on top of the road roller, depending on the type and size, and roll over the area to be compacted.
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.
Roofing supervisor: Roofing supervisors monitor the work on roofing a building. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Demolition supervisor: Demolition supervisors monitor operations involved in the demolition of buildings and clean up of debris. They take quick decisions to resolve problems.
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.
Concrete finisher: Concrete finishers work with binding agents like cement and concrete. They put up any removable forms and pour concrete into the forms. They then execute one or several actions to finish the concrete: cutting, screeding or levelling, compacting, smoothing, and chamfering to prevent chipping.
Kitchen unit installer: Kitchen unit installers install kitchen elements in homes. They take the necessary measurements, prepare the room, removing old elements if necessary, and install the new kitchen equipment, including the connection of water, gas and sewage pipes and electricity lines.
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.
Bulldozer operator: Bulldozer operators operate a heavy vehicle to move earth, rubble or other material over the ground.
Scraper operator: Scraper operators work with a mobile piece of heavy equipment that scrapes the top layer of the ground and deposits it in a hopper to be hauled off. They drive the scraper over the surface to be scraped, adapting the speed of the machine to the hardness of the surface.
Domestic cleaner: Domestic cleaners perform all necessary cleaning activities in order to clean their clients’ houses. They vacuum and sweep floors, wash dishes, launder clothes, dust, scrub and polish surfaces and disinfect equipment and materials.
Demolition worker: Demolition workers operate equipment to demolish structures. They safely destroy buildings and remove the debris to permit the site to be used for a different purpose.
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.
Emergency response worker: Emergency response workers work in missions to aid in emergency and disaster situations, such as natural disasters or oil spills. They clean up the debris or waste caused by the event, ensure the people involved are brought to safety, prevent further damage, and transport goods such as food and medical supplies.
Dismantling worker: Dismantling workers perform the dismantling of industrial equipment, machinery and buildings as instructed by the team leader. They use heavy machinery and different power tools depending on the task. At all times safety regulations are taken into account.
Excavator operator: Excavator operators use excavators to dig into earth or other materials to remove it. They are involved in a variety of projects, such as demolition, dredging, and the of digging holes, foundations and trenches.
Stonemason: Stonemasons manually carve and assemble stone for construction purposes. While CNC operated carving equipment is the industry standard, artisanal carving for ornamental stone is still done manually.
Drapery and carpet cleaner: Drapery and carpet cleaners clean draperies and carpets for their clients by removing stains, dust or odors. They do this by applying chemical and repellent solutions and with the use of brushes or mechanical equipment.
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.

References

1. Sort waste – ESCO