Waste Recycling Operatives

Do you enjoy working outdoors and being part of a team that makes a real difference to your community? We’re looking for enthusiastic and reliable individuals to join our Waste and Recycling team as Operatives. If you’re committed to delivering excellent service and want a role that keeps you active, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

By March 2026, all councils in England must provide weekly food waste collection for households. This is vital for the reduction of landfill waste and the creation of a cleaner, greener future.

Food waste in landfill emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Separate collection allows conversion into renewable energy and compost, reducing emissions and supporting sustainability.

Our Waste and Recycling teams are essential for implementing these changes, ensuring compliance and helping communities transition smoothly.

Our Waste and Recycling service is at the heart of keeping County Durham clean and green. We pride ourselves on delivering reliable, timely collections for both residents and businesses. As a Waste & Recycling Operative, you’ll play a vital role in this mission, working outdoors as part of a friendly, supportive crew to collect refuse and recyclable materials across the county.

Every day, you’ll help make a visible difference to the environment and the communities we serve.

Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Collecting waste and recyclables from designated routes and community recycling centres.
• Assisting the driver with safe vehicle manoeuvring and acting as a reverse assistant when required.
• Loading refuse and recycling onto vehicles and operating equipment safely.
• Monitoring and reporting on the quality of materials collected and identifying contamination.
• Returning bins to collection points and ensuring streets are left clean and tidy.
• Providing advice and assistance to residents where appropriate.

Core service window:
Collections typically run between 07:00 and 17:00, including pre-start checks. Flexibility:
Hours may vary to support service demands and adverse weather. Standard hours are across a four-day working week, with occasional weekend or Bank Holiday working when required. Contractual overtime applies to this role.

Please arrange an informal discussion about the role by contacting Julia Hardie via email at  .
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT CV’S

As part of this recruitment drive a ‘drop in’ session has been organised for 12th March 2026, at Morrison Busty Depot, Annfield Plain, Stanley, DH9 7RX
where anyone who may require help completing their job application form can attend between 1-4pm to talk to the Area Manager and Area Supervisor.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

• Essential
  :
  Relevant training in an associated discipline, good verbal communication skills, and the ability to work under minimum supervision.
• Experience
  :
  Working in an operational environment, knowledge of waste or environmental services, and experience dealing with the public.
• Personal qualities
  :
  Team player, enthusiastic, committed, and flexible. You must be willing to work occasional weekends and bank holidays to meet service needs.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

Interviews will be held week commencing 23 March 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement, a wide range of discounts through the Vivup lifestyle savings platform, and membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme.

We invest in your future with structured training, mentoring, and support to help you achieve your goals. Whether you want to upskill, gain new qualifications, or take on more responsibility, we’ll provide the tools and guidance to help you succeed.

Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.