Recycling Officer

Recycling Officer – SO1 Waste Services | Recycling Team We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Recycling Officer to join our Recycling Team and help us improve recycling across the Borough. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the rollout of our reverse-lidded bin contamination project, working directly with residents and communities to improve recycling behaviour and reduce contamination.

The role is varied, combining hands-on community engagement with project support, contractor liaison and desk-based work. About the role As a Recycling Officer, you will help promote and improve residential and commercial recycling across the Borough. You will work with residents, businesses, schools, community groups, contractors and colleagues to encourage the correct use of recycling services and increase the amount and quality of recyclable material captured.

A key part of your role will be supporting the reverse-lidded bin contamination project. This will include visiting properties and communities, delivering letters and information, speaking with residents, identifying contamination issues and working closely with our waste collection contractors to support the successful delivery of the project. You will also:
Deliver door-to-door recycling campaigns and community engagement activities. Attend roadshows, local events, residents’ meetings and community groups. Work with schools and businesses to promote recycling and waste reduction. Provide clear and practical advice to residents on correct recycling. Monitor recycling and contamination information and maintain accurate records. Use data and in-cab technology to identify trends and support service improvements. Liaise with contractors, Council teams and external partners.

Help develop and deliver new recycling initiatives and campaigns. Contribute to reports, briefings and performance information. Keep up to date with recycling legislation, policies and best practice. Identify opportunities to improve the way recycling services are delivered. This is a borough-wide role and will involve a mixture of outdoor, community-based work and office/desk-based activities. Some evening or weekend attendance at meetings and events may occasionally be required.

About you We are looking for someone who is confident communicating with people from a wide range of backgrounds and can build positive relationships with residents, businesses, colleagues and contractors. You will be organised, practical and able to manage competing priorities. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be comfortable using IT and data systems, and have the ability to analyse information and make recommendations.

Experience with in the waste or recycling sector is essential.

Experience of working in a local authority, delivering community engagement or educational programmes, working with schools, or supporting projects would be advantageous. You should have knowledge of relevant recycling policies, legislation and strategies and be committed to finding new and effective ways to improve recycling services. You must hold a current UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes, and be able to access buildings, sites and areas of rough ground as required.

Why join us? This is an opportunity to make a visible difference to the Borough by helping residents and businesses recycle correctly, reducing contamination and supporting the Council’s wider environmental ambitions. If you are enthusiastic about recycling, enjoy working with people and want a role where no two days are the same, we would love to hear from you.