Environmental Operative; Recycling

About The Role:

Shift Pattern: 7 days on, followed by 4 days off. Then 7 days on, followed by 3 days off.

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Environmental Operative to join our Recycling Department. The successful candidate will support waste collection, recycling operations, and site housekeeping while ensuring full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental standards. This is a hands‑on role requiring attention to detail, teamwork, and safe use of equipment and vehicles.

• Work in full compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and company procedural requirements.
• Wear issued PPE correctly at all times and report any defects immediately.
• Operate vehicles in accordance with UK road traffic legislation.
• Report hazards, defects, and reactive issues that could lead to accidents.
• Support site emergency procedures, including fire evacuations.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and report to supervisors.
• Maintain awareness of recycling best practices and environmental responsibilities.

• Collect general waste and dry mixed recyclables from designated areas at scheduled times.
• Collect bulk recycling materials (cardboard and soft plastics) throughout the day or upon request.
• Ensure waste is correctly segregated and not mixed.
• Remove bulk refuse and place in correct skips or containers.
• Sort waste manually or using machinery and inspect for contamination.
• Ensure glass and food waste bins are placed in designated service road areas daily.
• Store cardboard and plastic waste neatly, stack on pallets, and move to holding areas.
• Ensure hazardous and specialist waste (e.g., WEEE, bulbs, aerosols, oils, cartridges) is stored correctly.
• Keep service roads and loading bays clear of refuse at all times.

• Operate compacting and waste handling equipment (baler, compactor, bin lift).
• Use lifting and moving equipment such as pump trucks and forklifts.
• Drive forklifts in loading bay areas (training can be provided if required).
• Use mobile devices to record completed work and patrols.
• Use two‑way radios to communicate with Control and site teams.

• Maintain loading bays and waste areas in a clean and tidy condition.
• Remove spillages promptly.
• Carry out machine washing and deep cleaning of designated areas as scheduled.
• Steam clean waste bins and floors weekly using jet washing equipment.
• Ensure each unit has the correct number of bins in line with fire safety guidance.

• Work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Occasional shift changes may be required to meet operational needs (minimum 24 hours’ notice provided).
• Carry out other reasonable duties as required to support the business.

• Ability to work safely with machinery and waste handling equipment.
• Understanding of recycling processes and safety practices.
• Good awareness of Health & Safety requirements.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable, practical, and detail‑focused.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Forklift licence (training can be provided).
• First Aid certification or willingness to attend training.
• Previous experience in recycling, waste, cleaning, or facilities environments.
• Experience working in operational or industrial setting.

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.