Recycled metals worker

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager of a recycling site.

You could also be self-employed and start your own recycling business.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of recycling processes
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with your hands
• observation and recording skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need a large goods vehicle (LGV) licence if your job involves driving a lorry to collect metal waste.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Design and Technology - Recycled metals workers operate hydraulic shears, crushers, forklifts, and cranes on a daily basis. Understanding how machines and tools work, and how to maintain them safely, is central to the job.
• Chemistry - Recycled metals workers need to identify and sort different types of metal, which requires understanding their properties – such as whether they are ferrous or non-ferrous, how they corrode, and how they react during processing. They also handle pollutants from scrapped vehicles and electronics that must be disposed of safely.
• Mathematics - Recycled metals workers weigh and record scrap metal collections, calculate loads for transport, and keep track of quantities being processed. Basic maths skills are used constantly for measuring, recording, and ensuring accuracy.
• Environmental Science - Recycled metals workers play a direct role in reducing waste and conserving natural resources by recovering metals from scrapped vehicles, appliances, and electronic waste. Understanding how recycling fits into wider environmental systems – including pollution control and resource sustainability – is at the heart of this green career.

Also relevant

• Physics - Recycled metals workers use hydraulic machinery, cranes, and shearing equipment that rely on principles like force, pressure, and mechanics. Understanding how these physical systems work helps them operate heavy equipment safely and effectively.
• Business - Recycled metals workers can progress to managing a recycling site or starting their own recycling business. Understanding how to manage finances, price materials, and run day-to-day operations is valuable for those looking to advance in the industry.
• Geography - Recycled metals workers contribute to the circular economy and sustainable resource management, topics explored in geography. Understanding supply chains, waste management systems, and the environmental impact of industry helps put their work in a broader context.