Refuse/ Recycling Driver

Contract Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Posted On 28/07/2026

Job Information

Work Experience 1-3 years

City Carmarthen

Province Carmarthenshire (Sir Gaerfyrddin GB-GFY)

Postal Code SA31

Job Description 3 months contract with a Local Authority Job Title: Refuse/Recycling Driver Supervisor Job Purpose

To be responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of refuse and recycling collection vehicles while leading and supervising collection crews. The postholder will ensure the delivery of high-quality waste and recycling collection services to residents and businesses, maintaining compliance with health and safety requirements, operational procedures, and customer service standards.

Key Responsibilities Operational Duties and Vehicle Management

• Safely drive and operate allocated refuse/recycling collection vehicles in accordance with road traffic legislation, the Highway Code, and Council procedures.
• Carry out daily vehicle inspections, defect reporting, and routine maintenance checks using appropriate systems and documentation.
• Ensure vehicles and associated equipment are maintained in a clean, safe, and serviceable condition.
• Operate in-cab technology, route management systems, and tachographs accurately and effectively.
• Comply with all site rules and procedures when transporting, unloading, and disposing of waste or recyclable materials at designated facilities.

Crew Supervision and Leadership

• Lead, supervise, and provide direction to refuse/recycling collection crews throughout daily operations.
• Ensure all crew members work safely and follow approved Safe Systems of Work and operational procedures.
• Maintain effective communication with crew members to support safe, efficient, and productive collections.
• Monitor crew performance and provide guidance to resolve operational challenges as they arise.
• Support other operational teams and collection rounds when required to ensure service continuity.

Service Delivery and Route Management

• Oversee the successful completion of allocated collection routes and ensure service standards are achieved.
• Resolve issues that may affect collections, including access restrictions, parked vehicles, obstructions, communal collection points, and fly tipping incidents.
• Assist with loading refuse and recycling containers when operationally required.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of collection routes to maximise efficiency and productivity.
• Use initiative and judgement to address operational issues while reporting significant matters to supervisors.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all health and safety legislation, risk assessments, safe working practices, and service procedures.
• Promote a strong safety culture and minimise risks to crew members, members of the public, and other road users.
• Wear and maintain all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure team compliance with safety requirements.
• Report accidents, incidents, hazards, and vehicle defects promptly and accurately.

Customer Service and Community Engagement

• Act as an ambassador for the waste and recycling service when interacting with residents and businesses.
• Provide advice and guidance on recycling schemes, waste management requirements, and participation initiatives.
• Respond to customer enquiries professionally, courteously, and in line with customer service standards.
• Support the Council's commitment to delivering high-quality and customer-focused services.

Administration and Record Keeping

• Complete all required paperwork, electronic records, timesheets, work schedules, and incident reports accurately and within required timescales.
• Maintain clear and accurate operational records to support service monitoring and compliance requirements.
• Participate in training, development activities, and team meetings to maintain professional competence.

Experience Required

• Experience driving large commercial vehicles within waste collection, recycling, logistics, transport, or a similar operational environment.
• Experience supervising or leading a team in a busy operational setting.
• Experience working within health and safety regulations and safe systems of work.
• Experience resolving operational issues and making effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience dealing professionally with customers and members of the public.
• Previous experience within local authority waste management or environmental services.
• Experience using in-cab technology, route management systems, or electronic reporting systems.
• Experience operating refuse collection vehicles or specialist waste management equipment.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Valid Category C (Class 2) LGV/HGV Driving Licence.
• Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
• Valid Digital Tachograph Card.
• Good understanding of road traffic regulations and vehicle safety requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and members of the public.
• Health and Safety-related qualification or training.
• First Aid certification.
• Waste Management, Recycling, or Environmental Services-related training.
• Supervisory or Team Leader qualification.

Additional Information

Reporting To: Environmental Supervisor / Operations Supervisor

• Closing Date: Applications closing soon - early applications are encouraged