Waste management officer: Job description

Waste management officers organise and manage waste disposal, collection and recycling facilities. They may also be responsible for waste treatment and street cleaning operations. Some posts combine waste management and recycling functions, while others split them into separate jobs.

The UK generates about 290 million tonnes of waste a year. It is the responsibility of the waste management industry to dispose of waste safely, with due consideration for the environment and whilst conforming to government regulations.

Waste management officers have to meet targets for waste reduction and recycling, in particular the EU Landfill Directive which aims to reduce landfill waste.

Typical work activities

Waste management officers work mainly for local authorities but can also be employed by private waste businesses, industrial organisations, environmental agencies, consultancies and non-profit-making conservation projects.

Tasks often include:

• overseeing waste management schemes, such as at landfill sites;
• supervising the transportation of waste to ensure that it takes place efficiently without contaminating air, land or water sources; 
• assisting with the development, promotion and implementation of new waste disposal schemes;
• ensuring compliance with current legislation in the transportation, handling and disposal of waste;
• formulating and controlling the budget for waste disposal;
• collating statistics and compiling reports often to strict deadlines;
• monitoring the quality and performance of waste services, including contract management of external providers;
• assisting with the development of information and promotional materials;
• aiming to meet waste reduction and recycling targets;
• dealing with enquiries and complaints from members of the public both in person and by phone or email;
• investigating and following up claims of the illegal dumping of waste and working with other waste regulation enforcement staff;
• consulting with residents, community groups, councillors, housing associations and traders' associations about waste management issues, identifying their requirements and providing appropriate solutions;
• developing research projects and contributing to the activities of national groups concerned with waste disposal.

At senior levels, responsibility for multimillion-pound budgets is common.