Environmental Services Operative in Chester

As an Environmental Services Operative, you will be responsible for providing a reliable, safe and compliant waste and recycling service across the Elton site. Collect, segregate, move and prepare waste for reuse, recycling or disposal; keep waste areas and equipment clean and serviceable. The role contributes directly to reducing waste, preventing pollution, maintaining site standards and supporting production.

Key accountabilities:

• Waste collection, segregation and recycling
• Collect waste from agreed points across the site, empty, clean and replenish bins, skips and other receptacles to the agreed schedule and operational need.
• Segregate waste correctly at source.
• Identify recyclable materials, prevent contamination and place each waste stream in its designated container or storage area.
• Operate the waste and recycling compound, balers, compactors and associated equipment only when trained and authorised.
• Follow safe operating procedures (SOP) and keep throughput or collection waste records where required.
• Keep the waste compound, collection points and assigned routes clean, orderly and safe.
• Maintain agreed site, hygiene and BRC standards in relevant areas.
• Check bins, skips, trailers and waste equipment for damage, contamination or unsafe conditions.
• Arrange or report defects promptly and remove equipment from use where it presents an immediate risk.
• Load, unload and move waste containers, equipment and materials with FLT’s and other equipment for which current training and authorisation are held.
• Coordinate waste collections and movements with Facilities, Operations, Logistics and approved waste contractors to avoid disruption and maintain safe access.

Environmental control and compliance

• Follow the company environmental policy, site procedures and waste duty-of-care requirements.
• Ensure waste is stored, labelled and transferred using the approved arrangements.
• Sign and verify compliance of waste transfer notes and consignment notes and report them to the Environmental Operations Supervisor.
• Check that waste is prepared for collection in the correct stream and that collection documentation is compliant.
• Raise discrepancies or rejected loads with the Waste Operations Supervisor and Environment Lead.
• Act promptly on spills, leaks, damaged containers, suspected mis-segregation or other conditions that could cause pollution.
• Make the area safe within competence, contain where trained and equipped, and elevate immediately.
• Work with the Environment Team and site teams on waste reduction, recycling, sustainability and improvement projects.
• Suggest practical changes that improve risk controls, working conditions, reduce waste, contamination handling or environmental risk.

Safe working and team contribution

• Plan and prioritise daily work with the supervisor and respond to changing site needs without compromising safe controls.
• Use machinery, vehicles, substances and safety equipment in accordance with training, risk assessments, permits and safe operating procedures.
• Wear the required PPE at all times and cooperate with workplace inspections and risk assessments.
• Complete pre-use checks and maintain good housekeeping.
• Stop and report unsafe work, hazards, defective equipment, damaged property, incidents, near misses and service issues immediately to the Waste Operations Supervisor.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Experience in waste handling, recycling, facilities, logistics or a similar operational role; knowledge of waste duty of care, waste segregation and contamination prevention is desirable.
• FLT Operator training and authorisation with relevant experience is desirable; training may be provided where required.
• Experience in operating balers or compactors is desirable; training will be provided where required.
• Ability to complete accurate records and use basic digital tools, including email, spreadsheets or site systems.
• Good communication and practical problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently to instruction and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Understanding of safe manual handling, housekeeping, PPE and safe systems of work.
• Food manufacturing, BRC, ISO 14001, HACCP, 5S or lean experience is useful but not essential.

Personal attributes and behaviours

• Takes ownership of assigned work and follows it through to the required standard.
• Proactive about cleanliness, segregation, safety and environmental protection.
• Flexible and calm when priorities change; raises capacity or safety concerns early.
• Respects colleagues and customers, communicates clearly and works collaboratively.
• Looks for practical improvements and supports Encirc values: customer commitment, people commitment and development, sustainability, high performance, collaboration, and innovation and continuous improvement.

Benefits:

• Annual leave package of 25 days plus 8 bank holidays plus the option to buy holidays
• Free onsite gym for all employees
• MyBenefits Reward Platform with 100s of discounts at restaurants and retailers
• Employee Well-being benefits such as the Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension scheme where the company contributes up to a max 7%
• Life cover at 3 times your annual salary
• Optional partner life cover
• Subsidised onsite staff restaurant
• Free parking onsite
• Salary sacrifice Electric car scheme
• Subsidised onsite electric car charging
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Liftshare scheme
• Health cash plan
• Optional dental insurance
• Optional Private Medical Insurance
• Optional critical illness cover
• Social club

About the company

At Encirc, we make, fill and move glass. Part of the Vidrala group, we are a market leader in glass container design, manufacturing, bottling and logistics solutions for the UK, Irish and European food and beverages industries. With over 2,000 employees, we operate from our three purpose-built sites: Derrylin, Co Fermanagh; Elton, Cheshire and Bristol. We produce around 3 billion glass bottles and other containers annually and can fill up to 500 million litres of bulk shipped beverages every year. Our collective purpose is to deliver and uphold world-leading sustainable innovation, with great people and a great workplace collaborating on a great future.

Joining Encirc means you will be joining a business with a bespoke, 360-approach to the beverage supply chain, spanning filling, warehousing, and logistics. Reducing the road miles and carbon footprint of our customers' products, we are conscious disruptors prioritising sustainability and modern technology. As a forward-thinking and sustainable business, we are committed to achieving zero emissions by 2030.

Our Values

At Encirc, we’re proud to be a forward‑thinking manufacturer in a world that’s increasingly socially and environmentally conscious. Our culture is built around six core values that sit at the heart of everything we do. They guide how we work, how we make decisions, and how we support one another—helping us create a workplace where everyone can thrive. These values aren’t just words on a wall; they’re lived, shared and championed across the business, shaping our mindset and inspiring us to keep making Encirc great for everyone.

Equal Opportunities

Encirc is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Every applicant will be evaluated according to skills regardless of age, gender, identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. We also want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to everyone.