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- Tasks: Join a friendly crew collecting waste and recycling in your community.
- Company: Local council committed to keeping our streets clean and green.
- Benefits: Generous leave, free parking, training opportunities, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for disabled applicants and veterans meeting criteria.
- Why this job: Enjoy a hands-on role outdoors with no two days the same.
- Qualifications: Team player with a positive attitude and reasonable fitness level.
The predicted salary is between 25583 - 26403 £ per year.
Directorate: Environmental and Community Services
Department: Waste and Recycling Services
Grade C: £25,583 to £26,403 per year (pay award pending)
Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 Hours per week (working Monday to Friday inclusive)
Location: Merlin House, Merlin Way, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 4RA
Responsibilities
- Work as part of a friendly crew collecting residual, recycling and garden waste in wheeled bins and waste for recycling in the council’s green recycling bags.
- Load bins onto the vehicle safely and efficiently.
- Deliver or collect wheeled bins.
- Collect clinical waste, bulky items and white goods.
- Help keep our streets and neighbourhoods clean.
- Enjoy a hands-on role where no two days are quite the same.
About You
- Ideally, you will have experience of working within a refuse and recycling collection service and you must be able to operate effectively as part of a team.
- You will be expected to follow instructions, provide a high-quality service and display a courteous and professional attitude towards members of the public at all times.
- This is a physically demanding role in which you will be required to walk long distances in all weather conditions. You should therefore possess a reasonable level of fitness.
- If you enjoy working outdoors in all weathers, and you are reliable, punctual and take pride in your work we would like to hear from you.
Benefits
- A generous annual leave package – 29 days annual leave (rising to 33 days after 5 years’ continuous service) plus 8 bank holidays a year.
- Free workplace car parking within the Borough.
- Opportunities for training, learning and continuous professional development.
- Option to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) plus access to a salary sacrifice scheme for added voluntary pension contributions.
- Discounted leisure membership with the Fit for Work scheme.
- Access to the VIVUP employee benefits discount and salary sacrifice scheme.
The Council is positive about disabled people and those who meet the essential shortlisting requirements will be guaranteed an interview. The Council also supports the Armed Forces Covenant and those who have previously worked in the armed forces and meet the essential shortlisting criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Please ensure that you make it clear on your application form that you wish to be considered under these criteria.
Closing date for applications is Sunday, 17th May 2026 at midnight.
Refuse Collector/Loader employer: Erewash Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Erewash Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Refuse Collector/Loader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research the council's values and services. When you show up for your interview, drop in some knowledge about their waste and recycling initiatives. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your teamwork skills! Since this role is all about working with a crew, think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to share these stories during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress for the job! Even if it’s an interview, wear something practical that shows you’re ready for a hands-on role. It’ll help you feel more comfortable and give off the right vibe.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Refuse Collector/Loader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any previous experience you have in refuse and recycling collection. We want to see how you've worked as part of a team and followed instructions in similar roles.
Be Professional: Since you'll be interacting with the public, it's important to convey a courteous and professional attitude in your application. Let us know how you handle customer interactions and maintain a positive image.
Emphasise Your Fitness: This role is physically demanding, so don’t shy away from mentioning your fitness level. If you enjoy working outdoors and can handle the physical aspects of the job, we want to hear about it!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Erewash Borough Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Refuse Collector/Loader. Familiarise yourself with the tasks like collecting residual and recycling waste, loading bins, and maintaining cleanliness in the community. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Show Team Spirit
Since this job requires working as part of a crew, be prepared to discuss your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others, especially in physically demanding situations. Highlighting your ability to follow instructions and support your colleagues will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Reliability
Punctuality and reliability are key traits for this role. Be ready to share instances where you've shown commitment and responsibility in previous jobs. Mention how you take pride in your work and ensure that you’re dependable, especially when it comes to working outdoors in all weather conditions.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. You might ask about the training opportunities available or how the team handles challenges during collections.