Ever heard of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”? The slogan has become synonymous with the green revolution, reminding individuals to be mindful about adopting more sustainable ways of living. But it’s also a hint into some of the ways people can make a living through sustainable industries.
Recycling may come to mind faster than waste management when it comes to green jobs, but the pair are an important part of reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally-friendly ways of living.
They also provide hundreds of reliable, stable, well-paying green jobs in the United Kingdom and around the world.
As we continue our series highlighting the different sectors and green jobs available, we will take a look at the waste management and recycling sector in this article.
Our mission is to help connect jobseekers with green jobs, and this series will help to showcase the many different types of opportunities available.
What is Waste Management?
Waste management is the industry that deals with managing waste materials, including developing innovative solutions to manage waste products in environmentally friendly ways.
In the United States, waste management is a billion-dollar industry that employs around half a million people, and that number has been increasing since 2022.
Most people tend to think of waste management as strictly garbage collection, and that is part of the sector. But so is recycling in almost all of its forms, as well as the kind of environmental engineering that involves coming up with new technologies and practices to transform waste materials into something useful.
Many jobs in waste management are scientific in nature, requiring a high level of environmental science or engineering expertise, project management, and other high-level skills.
Although there are entry-level jobs as well, just as with any career field.
Does Waste Management Count as a Green Job?
Yes, waste management counts as a green job. Sustainable waste management is a crucial part of achieving net-zero goals.
It can help cut carbon emissions and reduce harmful impacts on wildlife populations by ensuring waste materials are disposed of with minimal environmental impact, or reused in a way that can enrich the planet rather than harm it.
What are Some of the Most Popular Waste Management Jobs?
Some of the most popular green jobs in waste management and recycling include:
- Waste Specialist/Technician — collection, planning and coordination
- Chemical Waste Engineer/Chemist — hazardous materials handling and management
- Recycling Manager — overseeing recycling operations, identifying new recycling opportunities
- Environmental Engineer — designing and running sustainable waste management systems
- Water Treatment Manager/Engineer — directing and supervising water treatment plants, testing water samples
- E-Waste Specialist/Technician — sorting, managing and handling e-waste such as electronic devices and the hazardous materials they contain (mercury, lead, etc.)
How to Get Waste Management Jobs?
You can find waste management and recycling jobs through online job boards such as EcoCareers. Browse job opportunities and even get email notifications as soon as jobs you’re interested in become available.
Green jobs have expanded so rapidly that 70% of employers are now urgently looking to hire people who have green skills. It’s the perfect time to launch a career in waste management or recycling!
Check out our other Green Jobs Feature Series articles: