Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hazardous Waste Collector

🎯 Role Definition

A Hazardous Waste Collector is a highly-trained specialist responsible for the safe and compliant collection, transportation, and processing of hazardous materials. This role is fundamental to protecting community health and the environment by ensuring that dangerous substances are handled according to strict local, state, and federal regulations. More than just a driver or laborer, a Hazardous Waste Collector acts as a frontline guardian of environmental safety, interfacing directly with clients across various industries—from manufacturing and healthcare to research and development—to manage their waste streams effectively. This position demands a meticulous approach, a strong commitment to safety protocols, and the physical capability to handle materials of varying types and sizes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Professionals in this role often build a robust foundation in environmental services, leading to diverse opportunities for growth.

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Warehouse Associate (especially with chemical handling experience)
Commercial Driver or Equipment Operator
Environmental Field Technician (entry-level)

Advancement To:

Lead Hazardous Waste Technician or Team Supervisor
Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist or Coordinator
Waste Management Project Manager or Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Chemical Handler or Technician (in a manufacturing or lab setting)
Emergency Spill Response Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute the safe and compliant collection of various hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials, including chemicals, solvents, biohazards, and universal wastes from client sites.
Properly segregate, package, and secure waste materials into approved containers (e.g., drums, totes, lab packs) in strict accordance with DOT and EPA regulations.
Accurately label and mark all containers with appropriate hazardous material information, shipping names, and waste codes to ensure clear identification and compliance.
Prepare and complete all required shipping documentation, including uniform hazardous waste manifests, bills of lading, and land disposal restriction forms, ensuring 100% accuracy.
Operate specialized company vehicles such as box trucks, vacuum trucks, and tractor-trailers, often requiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Hazmat endorsement.
Perform comprehensive decontamination procedures on equipment, containers, and work areas to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe environment.
Safely load and unload containers of hazardous waste, utilizing material handling equipment like forklifts, drum dollies, and pallet jacks.
Conduct thorough inspections of waste storage areas at client facilities to identify non-compliant practices and provide corrective guidance.
Perform detailed characterization and consolidation of chemical waste streams, including the meticulous process of creating "lab packs" from laboratory chemicals.
Respond effectively to incidental spills or emergency situations, implementing proper containment, cleanup, and reporting procedures as trained.
Maintain a precise inventory of supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), spill kits, containers, and labels, ensuring readiness for all tasks.
Wear and maintain all required levels of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators, chemical-resistant suits, gloves, and safety glasses.
Interface professionally with clients on-site to confirm service needs, answer questions about waste profiles, and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
Collect and document representative samples from unknown waste streams for laboratory analysis to determine proper disposal pathways.
Maintain detailed and accurate daily logs, vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs), and other required operational records.
Assist in the preparation of waste profiles by gathering necessary information from clients and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Perform routine pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and light maintenance to ensure operational safety and reliability.
Provide clear and practical guidance to client personnel on proper waste segregation, storage, and packaging techniques to foster a culture of compliance.
Actively participate in and contribute to daily safety meetings, "toolbox talks," and ongoing regulatory training (e.g., HAZWOPER, DOT).
Work collaboratively with a team to complete large-scale projects, such as facility clean-outs and site remediation tasks, efficiently and safely.

Secondary Functions

Assist in compiling and reviewing data from manifests and work orders for internal tracking and regulatory reporting purposes.
Provide field-level feedback and practical suggestions to management for improving waste collection procedures, safety protocols, and operational efficiency.
Liaise with client-side EHS managers, facility staff, and lab personnel to coordinate service schedules and proactively address compliance questions.
Participate in daily toolbox talks, safety stand-downs, and operational planning meetings to ensure alignment on job hazards and project goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of EPA (RCRA), DOT (HMR), and OSHA regulations pertaining to hazardous waste.
HAZWOPER Certification: A current 40-hour HAZWOPER certificate with up-to-date 8-hour refreshers is essential.
CDL with Endorsements: Possession of a valid Commercial Driver’s License (Class A or B) with Hazmat (H) and Tanker (N) endorsements is often required.
Forklift Operation: Proficiency in safely operating forklifts and other material handling equipment.
Chemical Segregation: The ability to correctly identify and segregate incompatible chemicals to prevent dangerous reactions.
Spill Response: Training and practical skill in deploying spill containment and cleanup materials and procedures.
Documentation: Meticulous skill in preparing and reviewing hazardous waste manifests and other shipping papers.
PPE Proficiency: Expertise in the proper selection, use, and maintenance of various levels of Personal Protective Equipment, including air-purifying respirators.

Soft Skills

Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to following safety rules and procedures without compromise.
Attention to Detail: The ability to execute tasks with precision, especially when labeling containers and completing legal documents.
Problem-Solving: The capacity to think critically and adapt when faced with unexpected challenges, such as unidentified waste or non-standard containers.
Physical Stamina: The ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting heavy objects (up to 50-75 lbs), standing, and working in various weather conditions.
Clear Communication: Effectively communicating with team members, supervisors, and clients to ensure tasks are understood and executed safely.
Dependability: A strong sense of responsibility and reliability; being on-time and ready to work is critical.
Teamwork: The ability to work cooperatively with others to accomplish shared goals efficiently and safely.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant scientific or technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Environmental Science
Chemistry
Occupational Health & Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of direct experience in hazardous waste management, environmental services, or industrial chemical handling.

Preferred:

Proven experience in a role requiring adherence to RCRA and DOT regulations.
Hands-on experience with lab packing, chemical consolidation, and spill response.
A clean driving record and demonstrated experience operating commercial vehicles in a professional capacity.