How Many Jobs are Available in Waste Management Industries
Are you looking for waste management jobs? These types of jobs will slowly come into the picture. If you are looking for a waste management job, this article will help you properly guide you to make the right decision.
With the increment of the global population, there is an increase in waste in the country. So, waste management comes into the picture to control the waste of the society or nation. This industry recruits different positions, such as gas technicians, truck drivers, chemists etc.
The waste management industry collects trash from various locations by truck or any other vehicle and then sends it to the waste management warehouse to recycle and make different products. For those work, there is a need for skilled workforces to manage the waste management industries.
What is waste management?
Waste management is a type of management where a local organization collects waste from different places and then sends it to the warehouse to recycle it in various methods. The various techniques and strategies aim to minimize waste’s environmental impact and promote sustainability.
The main goal of waste management is to reduce society’s garbage and recover resources through recycling, reusing it, and ensuring the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of residual waste.
The report “What a Waste 2.0,” published by the World Bank in 2018, says that there will be an increment of global waste by 70% by 2050 if any urgent action is taken. The report also highlighted that the continuous urbanization and growing population will push the global annual waste generation to 3.4 billion tonnes over the next 30 years, which is now 2.01 tonnes more than in 2016.
Plastic is the main factor in the global population. If not properly collected and managed, it will create more hazardous living creatures in the waterways, causing groundwater pollution and the food ecosystem.
The World Bank report also said that in 2016, the world produced 242 million tonnes of plastic waste, equal to 12 per cent of all solid waste.
Read More: How Many Jobs Are Available in Hospital/Nursing Management
Waste Management Industries Market Analysis
With the world’s growing population, there is an enlargement of the world’s garbage, creating a hazard for the environment and global warming.
According to the global waste management market, which crossed $423.4 billion in 2021, it will grow to around $542.7 billion by the end of 2026 with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2.21 to 2026.
Best Job Opportunities in Waste Management Industries
1. Waste Collector and Transportation
Salary:
The job opportunities for waste/refuse collectors in the waste management industry can vary depending on the location and the size of the waste management company.
They, also known as garbage collectors, play a vital role in collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste materials.
Waste collection refers to collecting waste from various areas such as households, industries, shops, road dust bins etc. After collecting the waste, it will be transported into the waste management warehouse.
2. Recycling Specialist
Salary:
Recycling is a crucial aspect of waste management. The job role of the recycling specialist is to convert the wastes collected from different locations into reusable materials. They separate the recyclable materials from contaminated wastes.
3. Waste Sorting Specialist
Salary:
The job role of the waste sorting specialist is to sort or separate the unusable materials into categories from the waste components. This process depends on the different types of waste materials based on their composition, size, and recyclability.
4. Waste Treatment and Processing Specialist
Salary:
Different methods exist to treat or process the wastes to reduce their volume, eliminate harmful substances, or facilitate disposal.
Composting for organic waste is to be kept deep within the soil under pressure so that soil contamination does not occur. Incineration is also done for specific types of waste, and physical or chemical processes are employed for hazardous substances.
5. Landfill Operators
Salary:
The job of landfill operators is to manage and maintain landfills and ensure the safety precautions and efficient disposal of waste materials.
They are responsible for regularly inspecting waste for any signs of inappropriate materials and ensuring that the equipment is always ready to work so that there is as little waste of time in their work. In landfill operation, there are also different post opportunities, such as
- Landfill Manager
- Equipment Operator
- Environmental Compliance Specialist
- Waste Disposal Technician
- Landfill Gas Technician
- Waste Management Coordinator
- Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist
- Quality Control Technician
6. Truck Washers and Truck Crew Jobs
Salary:
The job role of the Truck Washers and Truck Crew is to transport and clean the trucks used for carrying waste from different places. They carry the waste and dump it into the waste management warehouse.
7. Accounts Assistant
Salary:
The responsibility of the account assistants is to manage various financial tasks such as accounts management, invoice processing, financial record keeping, discrepancy resolution, budget monitoring, financial reporting, and accounts database management.
They also maintain the organization’s electronic financial records, address any inconsistencies in the accounting records, handle the processing of invoices for clients and vendors, and oversee the management and regular updating of the accounts database, among other responsibilities.
8. Customer service representative
Salary:
The primary role of a customer service representative is to effectively handle customer inquiries and resolve any concerns using different communication systems like phone calls, emails, and written messages.
They are responsible for managing incoming calls from members and providers, addressing various topics such as claims status, benefits and eligibility, PPO participation, and more.
Customer service representatives collaborate as a united team to offer a unique and outstanding service experience. They exhibit an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service, efficiently tackling challenges, and consistently endeavouring to fulfil customer needs with appropriate solutions.
9. Communication Specialist
Salary:
The job role of the communication specialist is to communicate with different stakeholders such as government agencies, community members, employees, customers, and media outlets to promote their natural products and also raise awareness about waste management practices.
And all these parameters create a public image of the waste management company. They also make awareness campaigns to promote waste reduction, recycling of waste, sustainable waste management practices etc.
So, all these activities need to organize workshops, seminars, and community events, develop educational materials, and partner with schools, businesses, and community organizations to spread awareness, encourage positive behaviour change, etc.
10. Electrician
Salary:
Skilled electricians in waste management facilities play a vital role in recycling waste plants, using landfill sites to crush heavy wastes, and many more.
Electricians are also responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems within these factories. They even ensure the power distribution networks, lighting systems, and electrical equipment operate efficiently, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Electricians also play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing specialized machinery, such as sorting, shredding, and compacting waste.
11. Inside sales representative
Salary:
Inside sales representatives in waste management industries are responsible for promoting waste management services to potential clients.
They communicate effectively to understand customer needs, and market trends, provide tailored solutions, and negotiate contracts.
By staying updated on waste management regulations and industry trends, they offer valuable insights to clients, helping them make informed decisions about waste disposal and recycling services.
12. Facilities Manager
Salary:
Facilities managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations within waste management facilities. Their primary responsibility is to look after the seamless collection, processing, and disposal of waste, emphasizing efficiency.
They also handle various tasks, such as coordinating maintenance activities, managing equipment and machinery, and streamlining workflow processes. Safety protocols are a top priority for facilities managers, who implement stringent measures to uphold a secure environment.
Additionally, they actively implement quality control procedures and work collaboratively with other teams to ensure seamless operations throughout the waste management facilities.
13. Analytics Analyst
Salary:
Analytics analysts in waste management industries play a crucial role in data-driven decision-making. Their primary responsibility is to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to waste generation, disposal patterns, and recycling rates.
With the help of advanced analytics tools and techniques, they identify trends, optimize waste management processes, and propose strategies for waste reduction and resource efficiency.
14. Truck Driver
Truck drivers are the backbone of waste management operations. They transport waste materials from collection points to treatment plants or disposal facilities.
These professionals adhere to strict schedules, follow safety protocols, and adequately handle waste. Truck drivers are responsible for safely and efficiently delivering waste materials, ensuring compliance with waste management regulations.
15. Chemist
Salary:
Chemists are vital in the waste management industry, as they contribute significantly to analyzing waste composition and devising efficient treatment methods. Through meticulous laboratory tests, they assess the chemical properties of various waste materials and design suitable treatment processes accordingly.
Chemists are also actively involved in developing innovative recycling and waste minimization techniques. Their expertise and research efforts are essential in advancing sustainable waste management practices and finding new ways to mitigate the environmental impact of waste.
16. Waste Management Technician
Salary:
Waste management technicians are crucial in waste treatment facilities by providing technical support and assistance. They are responsible for operating and maintaining specialized equipment, closely monitoring waste disposal processes, and ensuring adherence to strict safety and environmental regulations.
Waste management technicians also excel in troubleshooting issues as they arise and implementing proactive measures to prevent potential problems. Their expertise and dedication are vital in maintaining efficient and environmentally sound waste management practices within the facilities.
17. Software Engineer
Salary:
The job role of software engineers in the waste management industry is to develop innovative software solutions that optimize the company’s different operations and improve working efficiency.
They are also responsible for designing and implementing software systems for waste tracking, inventory management, and data analysis.
Their developed software provides real-time monitoring, accurate reporting, and data-driven decision-making, enhancing the overall waste management processes.
18. Environmental and Regulatory Compliant Officer
Salary:
The environmental and regulatory compliance officer’s job is to ensure waste management practices and follow local, national, and international regulations.
Their primary responsibility is to meet the company’s daily operations, conduct thorough audits, and implement appropriate measures to meet all legal requirements.
These professionals are continuously aligned to follow the environmental regulations and actively develop strategies to minimize the environmental impact of waste management activities.
Read More: Read this “How many jobs are available in metal fabrications” to know about the job opportunities.
Conclusion
The waste management industries depend on different professionals to effectively manage waste, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable practices.
Inside sales representatives, facilities managers, analytics analysts, truck drivers, business development managers, chemists, waste management technicians, software engineers, and environmental and regulatory compliance officers contribute to the smooth functioning and continuous improvement of waste management systems.
