BIN men across the UK have been taking industrial action as part of an ongoing dispute over pay.
Waste operatives in places like Kent, North Yorkshire and Somerset have been striking in 2023, but how much do the bin workers earn in Britain?
Refuse workers are responsible for removing rubbish from people's homes and businesses
Refuse workers are responsible for removing rubbish from people's homes and businesses
How much does a bin man earn? UK salary explained
The average starting salary of a bin worker in the UK is £17,000.
For experienced bin workers, this salary increases to an average of £25,000.
Bin men in London, meanwhile, have a higher average salary of £31,816.
As of July 2023 the average UK salary is £33,000.
This means a typical the refuse worker's salary is below the national average.
How do I become a bin man in the UK?
You must be aware of the conditions of the job and be able to fulfil its requirements in order to become a bin worker in the UK.
The job involves heavy lifting of bags and bins and you may also need to dispose of chemical substances or waste from hospitals.
You do not need any specific qualifications to become a refuse worker but you do need to be over 18 years of age.
It is also important that you have good movement, dexterity, and coordination.
Bin men work in a small team so you should also be able to work well with others.
You can either be a loader or a driver.
Loaders are responsible for picking up the waste for disposal and recycling.
Usually only experienced bin workers can become drivers.
The drivers have to learn to stop precisely in time with the loaders and are responsible for supervising their team.
The vehicles used are often large lorries and therefore, the drivers must be able to handle steering the lorry safely.
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What does a bin man do?
Refuse workers remove rubbish from outside people's homes and businesses.
They help to keep the streets clean and the environment healthy.
They work within a small team and use a lifting mechanism to transport the waste from bins into the lorry.
Typically, refuse workers work between the hours of 6:30am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
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They may also have to work on public holidays and there might also be some need to work overtime on the weekends occasionally.
They work outdoors in all weather conditions and the work is physically demanding.