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Awaste collector, also known as agarbage man,garbage collector,trashman (in the U.S),binman ordustman (in the UK), is a person employed by a public or private enterprise to collect and dispose ofmunicipal solid waste (refuse) andrecyclables from residential, commercial, industrial or other collection sites for further processing andwaste disposal. Specialisedwaste collection vehicles (also known as garbage trucks in the U.S., bin lorries in the UK) featuring an array of automated functions are often deployed to assist waste collectors in reducing collection and transport time and for protection from exposure. Waste and recycling pickup work is physically demanding and usually exposes workers to anoccupational hazard.
The first known waste collectors were said to come from Britain in the 1350s, coinciding with theBlack Plague, and were called "rakers."[1]
A related occupation is that of asanitation worker who operates and maintainssanitation technology.[2]: 2
Statistics show that waste collection is one of the most dangerous jobs, at times more dangerous than police work but consistently less dangerous thancommercial fishing and ranch and farm work. On-the-job hazards include broken glass,medical waste such assyringes, caustic chemicals, objects falling out of overloaded containers, diseases that may accompany solid waste,asbestos,dog attacks andpests, inhaling dust, smoke and chemical fumes, severe weather, traffic accidents, and unpleasant smells that can make someone physically sick.[3][4]
Risks also exist from working in close proximity to traffic hazards and using heavy machinery (such as container lifters and compactors) oncollection vehicles.
In most countries worldwide, waste collectors operate moving vehicles to aid in gathering garbage. There are several types of waste-collecting vehicles: front-load trucks, rear-load trucks, side-load trucks, and roll-on-off trucks.[5] Waste collecting trucks can be automatic or semi-automatic, lessening the ergonomic challenges for workers. Lifting and loading waste bins remains the main ergonomic stressor associated with the waste-collecting occupation. Collectors are at risk of developing work-relatedmusculoskeletal disorders (WMSD).[6] Risk for injury includes a risk of falling off the truck while it is moving, being run-over by passing motor vehicles, being run over when a waste-collecting truck is reversing, slipping and falling off the refuse vehicle, and losing or otherwise injuring limbs due to getting caught in equipment.[7][8] Waste-collecting vehicles can expose workers to higher amounts ofexhaust as many have exhaust pipes located on the back of the vehicle.[7]
Waste collecting involves the collection ofmunicipal waste andhazardous waste, which can introduce exposure to biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial hazards. In the U.S., hazardous waste collection is monitored by theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) under theResource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Alongside the EPA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) works closely to establish guidelines for hazardous waste disposal.[9] Municipal waste collectors often are exposed to amounts of hazardous waste because a degree of hazardous waste is permissible in municipal waste;[7]developing countries have a higher risk of hazardous waste contaminating municipal waste due to early infrastructure and less tightly regulated systems.[7] Different waste collecting jobs may have additional hazards or job-specific hazards.Hazardous waste collectors handle highly toxic waste and have an increased risk of exposure to chemical hazards. Medical waste collectors have an increased risk of exposure to biological waste hazards as they handlebiomedical waste.
Hazards associated with waste-collection include increased exposure tochemical hazards associated withdiesel exhaust,heavy metals,VOCs,PCBs, anddust; andbiological hazards such asmicroorganisms like bacteria, fungi and spores, viruses, and protozoa; andphysical hazards such as sharp objects, broken objects, heavy objects, and machinery.[7][10] Physical hazards include ergonomic hazards such as development of WMSD such as sprains, strains, and tears.[11] The job requires much repetitive lifting and pulling of waste material of varying weight, bending over, and movement in awkward positions.[12] Despite assistance from refuse collection trucks, waste collectors often must haul garbage and recyclables to the truck and most still engage in a degree of lifting waste into the vehicle.[12] Many waste collecting jobs are conducted outside, exposing workers to weather conditions, such asextreme heat or cold, that can pose additional health risks, while also putting waster collectors in close proximity to moving vehicles, which can result in them being hit by cars.[6][13] With a multitude of tangible hazards, waste collectors are at risk forpsychosocial hazards as it is a physically taxing job involving long hours, median pay, and not well socially supported.[14]
For the U.S., OSHA provides guidelines forPPE. Those disposing of waste, including hazardous waste, medical waste, municipal waste, and other waste from collection sites, are encouraged to follow OSHA guidelines as necessary.[15] Basic PPE includes wearing gloves, goggles or other eye protection equipment, coveralls, face-shield and steel-toed boots or shoes.[16] Proper training is an essential part of protecting waste collectors from injury or illness. RCRA training is required of those who handle hazardous waste.[17]
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Manyvarieties of English have a range of names for waste collectors, from formal job titles for municipal employees, to colloquial and regional terms.
| Australian English: | American andCanadian English: | British andIrish English: | Scots AndScottish English: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garbage man Garbage collector | Binman Dustman | Scaffy Essy Kert (Shetland Scots) |
