Refuse and salvage occupations Pay Data UK — 2025

Refuse and salvage occupations roles in the UK earn a median of £27,348 per year, equivalent to £13.58 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 5.7% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £21,654 to £34,927 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Refuse and salvage occupations roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Refuse and salvage occupations

Refuse and salvage collectors supervise and undertake the collection and processing of refuse from household, commercial and industrial premises.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• rides in or on refuse vehicle and alights to pick up domestic refuse
• carries waste material in dustbins or other containers from premises to refuse vehicle
• empties refuse into vehicle manually or using an electronic tipping device
• returns dustbins or other containers to premises
• collects scrap metal, salvage, paper and other recyclable material from domestic and industrial premises, and sorts material in preparation for recycling
• attends the operation of refuse tips, supervises the use of public refuse disposal facilities, and compacts and covers up refuse at landfill sites

Entry Routes and Qualifications

No academic qualifications are required. Training is provided on-the-job. A minimum age limit of 18 years normally applies.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.