Waste Manager
Why Is Waste Management a Job of Tomorrow?
Going green is not just a trend anymore. Out of the 1.983 billion acres of total land area in the U.S., 107.3 million acres is developed as of 2002, and that number increases every year as the population swells and cities sprawl out into previously untouched land, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. From 1990 to 2007, greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 17 percent and are expected to continue increasing by one percent every year unless major changes in life style and habits take place. The environmental sector will take off as concerns about the environment grow and the population begins looking to decrease its impact on the earth. Americans create an average of 4.6 pounds of garbage per person a day. That means every year, every individual in the country creates over 1,600 pounds of garbage, the majority of which ends up in landfills. Waste managers will always be needed to handle the stream of trash, and those who deal with recycling and waste reduction will see a significant increase in demand. Waste managers make an average of $15.68 per hour.
What Does a Waste Manager Do?
Waste managers handle the everyday operations and routines of waste removal programs. They are responsible for ensuring that every neighborhood and business receives proper waste removal services on their designated days, handle landfill regulations, and also perform office administrative duties to ensure that the waste disposal service runs as efficiently as possible. Managers who handle recycling services decide which neighborhoods and businesses will receive pickup services, and where to install community drop-off locations. They must factor in the accessibility of the drop-off locations for recycling trucks, as well as whether it is a convenient spot for the majority of the local population. Neighborhoods and businesses usually compete for a limited amount of recycling privileges, such as curbside recycling pickup. Waste managers must consider how many people will be actively participating in the recycling program so that areas with a higher number of participants will be in priority to receive recycling services than areas with fewer participants.
What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Waste Manager?
There are no formal education requirements for waste managers, but those looking to join the field should consider earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration to increase their marketability. Waste managers function in an administrative position, so obtaining a four-year business administration program would help prospective managers build valuable knowledge of business concepts, administrative techniques, and other related topics.
