Refuse collector Salary UK
Refuse and salvage occupations in the UK earn a median salary of £27,576 a year (ONS ASHE 2025, gross pay, all employee jobs), and the middle half earn between £25,389 and £30,865. The figures cover the ONS occupation group “Refuse and salvage occupations” (SOC 9225).
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £28,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For refuse and salvage occupations, £27,857 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -29% versus the national average. Experienced refuse and salvage occupations (top 25%) earn over £30,865.
About this role
Refuse and salvage occupations involve collecting household and commercial waste, recyclable materials and bulky items from premises and public areas for disposal, recycling or processing.
Key responsibilities
- Collecting refuse bins, bags and recycling containers from properties
- Loading waste onto collection vehicles
- Sorting recyclable materials at kerbside or processing facilities
- Maintaining cleanliness of collection vehicles and equipment
- Following health and safety procedures for waste handling
Qualifications and entry routes
No formal qualifications are required. On-the-job training is provided. Manual handling, health and safety and vehicle marshalling training are standard.
Career outlook
Essential service with consistent demand. Recycling and circular economy targets are increasing the complexity and importance of waste collection roles.
Key skills
Common industries
- Local authority waste collection
- Private waste contractors
- Recycling companies
- Skip hire operators
- Street cleansing
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£20,279
0-2 years
Mid Level
£25,389
3-7 years
Senior
£30,865
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +52% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 28.0%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£281
Refuse collector salary: common questions
How much do refuse and salvage occupations earn in the UK?
Is £27,857 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for refuse and salvage occupations?
Have refuse and salvage occupations salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for refuse and salvage occupations?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025). How the figures are built: salary data methodology.