SOC 1254 Other managers and proprietors

Waste disposal and environmental services managers Salary

Median salary £48,927 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £49,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For waste disposal and environmental services managers, £49,763 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +27% versus the national average.

About this role

Waste disposal and environmental services managers oversee waste collection, recycling operations, environmental remediation and related services. They ensure regulatory compliance, manage operational teams and drive improvements in environmental performance and resource recovery.

Key responsibilities

Managing waste collection, recycling and disposal operations
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and permits
Managing operational teams, vehicles and equipment
Developing waste minimisation and recycling improvement strategies
Liaising with local authorities, regulators and customers

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires experience in waste management or environmental services. CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) qualifications are the professional standard. WAMITAB (or successor) operator competence certifications may be required.

Career outlook

Growing sector driven by circular economy policies, Extended Producer Responsibility and increasing recycling targets. Technical expertise in waste processing and resource recovery is valued.

Key skills

Environmental regulations Operations management Health and safety Logistics Sustainability

Common industries

Waste management companies
Local authorities
Recycling processors
Environmental consultancies
Energy from waste

Data coverage

SOC code 1254

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 8,000

Median Salary

£48,927

Mean Salary

£47,586

Jobs (000s)

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

Median: £48,927

P10: --P25: --Median: £49kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£48,927

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +33.5%Real growth: -3.3%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£48,927

Full-time Only

£49,763

Full-time premium: +£836

Waste disposal and environmental services managers salary: common questions

How much do waste disposal and environmental services managers earn in the UK?

Waste disposal and environmental services managers earn a median of £49,763 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £49,763 a good salary in the UK?

For waste disposal and environmental services managers, £49,763 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +27% versus the national average.

What is the starting salary for waste disposal and environmental services managers?

Entry-level waste disposal and environmental services managers typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £33,884, though this varies by employer and region.

Have waste disposal and environmental services managers salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median waste disposal and environmental services managers pay has risen from £37,223 to £49,763 — +34% in cash terms, or -3.0% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).