Waste Operative

Role overview

City of Wolverhampton Council is seeking an experienced Waste Operative to join its waste collection service. This is a full-time, permanent field-based post supporting the delivery of waste and recycling services across the city.

The position offers a salary of £30,024 to £33,699 (Grade 5) and requires 37 hours of work each week.

Key duties

• Carry out waste-related tasks as instructed to support the safe, efficient and effective collection or disposal of waste and recyclable materials from homes, businesses and council properties across Wolverhampton.
• Act as a first point of contact for customers, offering assistance and responding appropriately to issues that arise while carrying out duties.

What the council is looking for

• Proven experience as a Waste Operative and a positive approach to a physically demanding role.
• Confidence in a front-line environment with a strong focus on customer service.
• Ability to get in and out of a waste collection vehicle safely and efficiently.
• Capability to handle bins of different sizes and place them onto the loading equipment.
• Strong understanding of health and safety rules and the ability to apply them in day-to-day work.
• Knowledge of waste, recycling and garden waste disposal practices, including the ability to advise others where needed.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the confidence to deal with members of the public professionally.
• A reliable, positive team player who supports high standards at all times.
• Commitment to waste reduction and improving recycling opportunities.
• A full current UK driving licence is desirable.

Additional information

The council asks that previous applicants do not apply again.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 20 July 2026.

The annual pay award for NJC Local Government Employees for 2026/27 is still under negotiation and, once agreed, will apply from 1 April 2026.

Working style

This post is assigned a field work style. Field-based roles are generally out in the community, with a minimum requirement for touch-down space at a council location.

Inclusion and recruitment commitments

The council is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse community it serves and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups. It highlights its Disability Confident status, Stonewall Gold Award, and RACE Code Quality Mark as part of its commitment to inclusion and equality.

As a Disability Confident employer, Gold Award Armed Forces employer, and an organisation that supports care leavers, the council offers a guaranteed interview when an application meets the essential criteria for the post.

The organisation also supports fair treatment for ex-offenders and may use DBS checks where roles require them.

Staff equality forums are available for employees to join, helping ensure staff have a voice and are treated with respect.

Support and contact

For further information about the opportunity, candidates may contact amwaste@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Further role details are available in the attached Job Description and Person Specification.