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Refuse and salvage occupations

collecting rubbish from homes or businesses to ensure waste management and environmental cleanliness, depositing recyclable materials into chutes and loading and unloading recycling collection vehicles. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: disposing of waste materials in accordance with regulatory requirements is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

What shifts is maintaining accurate records: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.

Your week, as this page understands it

Refuse and salvage collectors supervise and undertake the collection and processing of refuse from household, commercial and industrial premises. The job title says “refuse” or “salvage occupations”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: disposing of waste materials in accordance with regulatory requirements. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But refuse and salvage occupations is not one task. It is 45 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is disposing of waste materials in accordance with regulatory requirements, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI
9%
changing shape
3%
staying human
88%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 12 out of 100 (9–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 45 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for refuse and salvage occupations is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

Shifting to AI

4 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

  • Maintaining accurate records

    This is reading one thing and writing another: accurate records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 50 · 9225/01, 9225/02
    Source: “Maintain accurate records.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Keeping records accurate is routine screen work software does reliably.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Coordinating recycling collection schedules to optimise service and efficiency

    This is reading one thing and writing another: collection schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 85 · 9225/02
    Source: “Coordinate recycling collection schedules to optimise service and efficiency.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (72–86 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Collection scheduling is route optimisation, an area where software has been stronger than manual planning for years.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Checking road or weather conditions to determine route impacts

    This is reading one thing and writing another: road in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 9225/02
    Source: “Check road or weather conditions to determine route impacts.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Traffic and weather information is published and easy to read, so working out route effects suits software.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.

  • Recording the amount of rubbish

    This is reading one thing and writing another: the amount of rubbish in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 70 · 9225/02
    Source: “Record the amount of rubbish collected.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Recording collected tonnages is simple data entry, and the weighbridge captures most of it already.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

2 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

  • Logging records of recycled materials or waste chemicals removed from products

    The software now makes the first pass at records of recycled materials, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Log records of recycled materials or waste chemicals removed from products.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Recording what was removed is straightforward data entry that systems already handle, though someone on site has to see it first.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Demonstrating an understanding of the commercial value of different metals and making informed decisions regarding pricing and processing

    The software now makes the first pass at an understanding of the commercial value of different, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.

    importance 50 · 9225/01
    Source: “Demonstrate an understanding of the commercial value of different metals and make informed decisions regarding pricing and processing.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Metal prices and grades are published daily, so working out what a load is worth is desk work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

39 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

  • Disposing of waste materials in accordance with regulatory requirements

    This work happens in the physical world: waste materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 9225/01, 9225/02
    Source: “Dispose of waste materials in accordance with regulatory requirements.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Moving and disposing of waste is physical work, whatever the rules require.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Collecting recyclable materials from kerbside for delivery to designated facilities

    This work happens in the physical world: recyclable materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9225/01, 9225/02
    Source: “Collect recyclable materials from kerbside for delivery to designated facilities.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Emptying kerbside boxes into a lorry is physical work done out on the street.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Adhering to established safe working practices

    This work happens in the physical world: established safe working practices, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9225/01, 9225/02
    Source: “Adhere to established safe working practices.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Safe working rules can be written out easily, but following them on the round is down to the crew doing the job.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Identifying and dealing with potential health and safety hazards in accordance with company policies

    This work happens in the physical world: potential health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9225/01, 9225/02
    Source: “Identify and deal with potential health and safety hazards in accordance with company policies.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Spotting and clearing hazards means being on the yard floor, even though the rules are written down.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 35 tasks

  • Communicating effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues

    staying human

    The value here is that a specific person handles customers, suppliers and colleagues and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.

    importance 50 · 9225/01, 9225/02
    Source: “Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (32–46 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Routine messages draft easily, but working relationships with customers and suppliers are built by people.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Reporting and recording defects in plant and protective equipment

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: defects, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/02
    Source: “Report and record defects in plant and protective equipment.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Writing up a defect report is easy; noticing the fault means being with the equipment.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Inspecting materials to identify and assess contamination levels

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/01
    Source: “Inspect materials to identify and assess contamination levels.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Judging contamination means being at the material and looking at it, though the write-up is simple.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Adhering to health and safety requirements in the workplace

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 9225/01
    Source: “Adhere to health and safety requirements in the workplace.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: The rules can be written out easily, but keeping to them while collecting waste depends on the crew on the round.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Inspecting vehicles prior to departure

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: vehicles prior, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 9225/02
    Source: “Inspect vehicles prior to departure.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: The defect record can be automated, but the walk-round check itself means the driver looking over the vehicle.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Calibrating recycling equipment to ensure processing accuracy

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Calibrate recycling equipment to ensure processing accuracy.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Setting a machine right means adjusting it by hand and testing what comes out.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Depositing recyclable materials into chutes

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: recyclable materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9225/01
    Source: “Deposit recyclable materials into chutes.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Tipping materials into chutes is hands-on work at the plant.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Loading and unloading recycling collection vehicles

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: collection vehicles, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9225/01
    Source: “Load and unload recycling collection vehicles.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Loading and unloading a collection vehicle is lifting work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Sorting materials

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 70 · 9225/01, 9225/02
    Source: “Sort materials to be reused, recycled or disposed of.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Sorting materials for reuse or disposal is done by hand on site.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Cleaning, inspecting or lubricate recycling collection equipment

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: lubricate recycling collection equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Clean, inspect, or lubricate recycling collection equipment.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Cleaning and lubricating equipment is done with tools in the depot.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Collecting waste using manual and mechanical handling techniques

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: waste, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01, 9225/02
    Source: “Collect waste using manual and mechanical handling techniques.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Collecting waste by hand and machine is physical work on the round.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Cutting discarded products into small pieces

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: discarded products, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Cut discarded products into small pieces using saws, blow torches, or other tools.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Cutting products up with saws and torches is done standing at the material.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Dismantling wrecked vehicles, remove parts and sorting them into containers

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: wrecked vehicles, remove parts and sorting them, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Dismantle wrecked vehicles, remove parts, and sort them into containers.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Stripping wrecked vehicles apart is hands-on work in the yard.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Following procedures for the dismantling and processing of WEEE

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: procedures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Follow procedures for the dismantling and processing of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), including the safe removal of hazardous components and proper storage.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: Taking apart electrical waste and removing hazardous parts safely is done by hand at the bench.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Identifying and sorting different metals into their respective grades using industry-specific equipment

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: different metals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Identify and sort different metals into their respective grades using industry-specific equipment.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Grading metals means handling them and putting each piece in the right pile.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Maintaining cleanliness of work area

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: cleanliness of work area, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Maintain cleanliness of work area.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Keeping the work area tidy is physical work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Operating balers in recycling processing to process materials

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: balers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Operate balers in recycling processing to process materials.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Running a baler means standing at the machine feeding it.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Operating forklifts to move or store recyclable materials

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: forklifts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Operate forklifts to move or store recyclable materials.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Driving a forklift around a yard is physical work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Performing the depollution process on end-of-life vehicles

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: the depollution process, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Perform the depollution process on end-of-life vehicles, ensuring compliance with regulations and safe removal of hazardous materials.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: Draining fluids and gases from scrap cars is hands-on work under strict rules.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Shredding scrap metal into pieces using hydraulic shears and cutters

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: scrap metal, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 60 · 9225/01
    Source: “Shred scrap metal into pieces using hydraulic shears and cutters.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Feeding scrap into shears and cutters happens at the machine.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Cleaning recycling yard by sweeping and raking

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: yard, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/01
    Source: “Clean recycling yard by sweeping and raking.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Sweeping and raking a yard is done with a brush in hand.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Extracting chemicals from discarded appliances

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: chemicals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/01
    Source: “Extract chemicals from discarded appliances, such as air conditioners or fridges, using specialised machinery, such as refrigerant recovery equipment.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Recovering refrigerant gas from old fridges is done at the machine by hand.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Maintaining equipment to ensure proper working condition

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/01
    Source: “Maintain equipment to ensure proper working condition.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Keeping the equipment working means physically servicing and repairing it.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Operating forklifts to load heavy items onto lorries for shipping

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: forklifts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/01
    Source: “Operate forklifts to load heavy items onto lorries for shipping.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Loading lorries by forklift is physical work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Operating heavy machinery and lifting equipment to handle cargo and materials

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: heavy machinery, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/01
    Source: “Operate heavy machinery and lifting equipment to handle cargo and materials.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Operating heavy machinery means being in the cab.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Picking materials from a moving conveyor

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/01
    Source: “Pick materials from a moving conveyor.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Picking items off a moving belt is done with your hands.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Recovering, cleaning and maintaining equipment for reuse

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/01, 9225/02
    Source: “Recover, clean, and maintain equipment for reuse.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Recovering and cleaning equipment for reuse is physical work at the equipment itself.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Removing impurities, like ink and metals from recycled materials

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: impurities, like ink and metals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/01
    Source: “Remove impurities, like ink and metals from recycled materials.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Removing ink and metal from recovered material happens in the processing plant.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Using a lifting mechanism to transfer rubbish to the bin lorry

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: a lifting mechanism, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 50 · 9225/01, 9225/02
    Source: “Use a lifting mechanism to transfer rubbish to the bin lorry.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Working the lorry's lifting gear is done at the vehicle.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Collecting rubbish from homes or businesses to ensure waste management and environmental cleanliness

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: rubbish, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 95 · 9225/02
    Source: “Collect rubbish from homes or businesses to ensure waste management and environmental cleanliness.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Collecting bins from homes and businesses is physical work on the round.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Driving a bin lorry safely

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: a bin lorry, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 95 · 9225/02
    Source: “Drive a bin lorry safely.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Driving the lorry is done from the cab.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Unloading waste at designated facilities following environmental safety protocols

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: waste, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 90 · 9225/02
    Source: “Unload waste at designated facilities following environmental safety protocols.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Tipping waste at a facility is done on site with the vehicle.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Cleaning compactor bodies after routes

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: compactor bodies after routes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 9225/02
    Source: “Clean compactor bodies after routes have been completed.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Washing out compactor bodies is hands-on work at the depot.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Operating a waste compactor to reduce the volume of waste materials

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: a waste compactor, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 80 · 9225/02
    Source: “Operate a waste compactor to reduce the volume of waste materials.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Operating a compactor means being at the machine.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Tagging rubbish or recycling bins to inform customers of problems

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: rubbish, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 75 · 9225/02
    Source: “Tag rubbish or recycling bins to inform customers of problems, such as excess rubbish or inclusion of items that are not permitted.” (UK task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Putting a tag on a bin happens at the kerbside while the round is running.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay
£27,900a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this

Source: ashe-t14

Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)

Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.

People doing this job
30,800in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: accurate records in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: maintaining accurate records and coordinating recycling collection schedules to optimise service and efficiency. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where waste materials get done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Start with what does not change: disposing of waste materials in accordance with regulatory requirements is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 9% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 3% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 88% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 45 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Maintaining accurate records is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.

This week: one thing

Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to accurate records, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.

What you end up holding
a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
How long it takes
ten minutes

If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether waste materials are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near logging records of recycled materials or waste chemicals removed from products. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.

Over the next 12 months

On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to refuse and salvage occupations (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was cleaners and domestics: only about 7% of its durable work is work you already do and it pays 13.4% less. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 12/100 here, with only 9% of the task list in the top band, and “collect recyclable materials from kerbside for delivery to designated facilities” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

  • Cleaners and domestics

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “dispose of waste materials in accordance with regulatory requirements”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 7% of the work in that job the software is not taking.

    Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 7% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: £24,130 against your £27,857, 13.4% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “dismantle wrecked vehicles, remove parts, and sort them into containers”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 7% of the work in that job the software is not taking.

    Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 7% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Groundworkers

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already collect waste using manual and mechanical handling techniques, and their equivalent is to move equipment, material, and waste using safe manual and mechanical handling techniques. Across both published task lists that is about 5% of the durable work in that job.

    Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

  • The headline number you read somewhere

    The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 9% of its task weight, across 45 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.

  • The headlines about your trade disappearing

    They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like disposing of waste materials in accordance with regulatory requirements arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.

  • Retraining out of a job that is holding up

    On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.

  • The “obvious” next job everyone suggests

    I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

If you run a team doing this job

If you run a team doing this job, the conversation you owe them is the one on this page, and sooner than feels comfortable. Show them the ledger rather than a reassurance: the rows moving toward the software are maintaining accurate records, and the rows that are not are where you want your people visible. Ask each of them to do the this-week move and bring the list to your next one-to-one. It turns a rumour into a piece of work, and it tells you which parts of your team's week are actually at stake. And say the thing out loud that a team lead usually leaves unsaid: a shrinking team is your exposure too, so do the move yourself as well.

You are reading the United Kingdom figures

The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United States page →partial match

In US official statistics this job is counted as Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors. Pay and employment stay on this page’s own group; the task list and the scores do not cross over.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for refuse / salvage occupations, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 9% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for refuse / salvage occupations. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for refuse / salvage occupations launches. Nothing else.

That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.

We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.

No Space for refuse / salvage occupations yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for refuse / salvage occupations existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for refuse / salvage occupations launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Refuse and salvage occupations?
Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 45 official task statements scored for Refuse and salvage occupations (United Kingdom, SOC 9225), 9% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 12 out of 100 (range 9–16, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Refuse and salvage occupations” can AI already do?
The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Check road or weather conditions to determine route impacts” (83/100, very high); “Coordinate recycling collection schedules to optimise service and efficiency” (79/100, high); “Maintain accurate records” (75/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Refuse and salvage occupations” stay human?
About 88% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Tag rubbish or recycling bins to inform customers of problems, such as excess rubbish or inclusion of items that are not permitted” (0/100, minimal); “Operate a waste compactor to reduce the volume of waste materials” (0/100, minimal); “Clean compactor bodies after routes have been completed” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Refuse and salvage occupations” do about AI?
Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 9% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 88% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Refuse and salvage occupations calculated?
Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 45 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

  • Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
  • This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
  • The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
  • 8 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
  • Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Task statements
gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights
gaisi-index (relatedness)
Scores
Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment
ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

How we score a jobDownload this releaseLook up another job

Using these figures?

Cite this

Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.