Waste resource operative (level 2) is available for new starts until 12 Feb 2025.

Apprenticeship training course

Waste resource operative (level 2)

Collecting, transporting, processing, disposing and recycling waste and recyclables.

• Qualification level: 2 ; Equivalent to GCSE.
• Typical duration: 12 months
• Apprenticeship category: Transport and logistics
• Maximum funding: £6,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Anaerobic Digestion Plant Operative
  • Control Room Operative
  • Energy from Waste Operative
  • Household Waste Recycling Centre Operative
  • Materials Recycling Facility Operative
  • Mobile Plant Operative
  • Multi-skilled Operative
  • Recycling Operative
  • Refuse Collection Operative
  • Tipping Hall Operative
  • Transfer Station Operative
  • Waste Collection Operative
  • Waste Resource Operative
  • Weighbridge Operative
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Communicate with colleagues, customers and the General Public providing clear, accurate and timely information
  • Use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills in the workplace.
  • Reconcile different views within an argument, disagreement or opinion to achieve an effective outcome
  • Plan the collection of waste, including access routes to and from the waste, safety and suitability of collection equipment and machinery. Prepare for the loading and un-loading of wastes and resources in line with regulatory and organisational policy and procedure. Collect Waste using manual and mechanical handling techniques, Reject waste and deal with non-conforming waste in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • Identify and segregate materials that are suitable for recycling, check that recyclables confirm to required quality standards, prepare, check, maintain and use equipment for sorting materials for recycling, carry out sorting methods in accordance with organisational procedures and practices, deal with superfluous materials and non-recyclables.
  • Identify, segregate and process waste, recyclables and other materials. e.g. glass, all grades of plastics, metals – aluminium, steel, copper etc., organic waste (food, green), textiles, WEEE, batteries, chemicals in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Dispose of wastes in accordance with regulatory and organisational procedures, demonstrate application of the Waste Hierarchy and regulatory requirements for the disposal of specific wastes, including hazardous wastes, asbestos, waste electrical and electronic equipment, clinical wastes.
  • Follow safe working procedures and practices in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements
  • Identify and deal with problems which could affect health, safety and hygiene requirements in accordance with your responsibilities and company policies and procedures.
  • Hazard spot – be able to recognise and report a near miss, incident, occurrence.
  • Agree the division of work with others before beginning work
  • Carry out and complete work activities as part of a team within performance requirements
  • Deal constructively with colleagues and others to enable tasks to be undertaken effectively and safely
  • Contribute to site meetings and tool-box talks
  • Maintain records in accordance with organisational procedures e.g. Permits to Work, Route Maps, Waste Transfer Notes, Waste Segregation Sheets, Daily Checklists, Risk Assessments, Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes, Work Instructions, Daily Round Report, Defect Checks
  • Report problems which arise to the relevant person in line with organisational job role responsibilities
  • Prepare to use vehicles, machinery and equipment, including daily checks to confirm working order in accordance with work instructions and manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Report any defects as per company procedures.
  • Adhere to documented organisational procedures and work instructions to plan and carry out daily tasks
  • Listen, confirm understanding and follow instructions provided by colleagues and others

Full information on Waste resource operative (level 2) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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