Household waste and recycling operative

Northamptonshireparks; Kettering, Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council organization is looking for a Household Waste and Recycling Operative based in Kettering. The role involves outdoor work, collecting waste from residential and commercial properties, and requires physical fitness. Candidates should maintain a polite demeanor when dealing with customers. Full-time and part-time positions are available, alongside various benefits including competitive salary and development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Generous leave entitlement

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Understands the importance of treating customers and colleagues respectfully.
• Must be flexible and enjoy working as part of a small team.

Responsibilities

• Collect waste from residential and commercial properties.
• Assist with missed bins and vehicle maintenance.
• Deal with customer queries and provide a high level of service.

Skills

Physical fitness

Positive attitude

Customer service skills

Job description

# Household waste and recycling operativeYour differences make us different - #achievetogether## About the roleAn exciting opportunity has arisen to join North Northamptonshire Council as a waste Collection Operative (Refuse & Recycling Loader) within the Waste Department. The successful candidate will be based at our Wellingborough or Kettering Depots (you can choose which one you want to work at) and have the opportunity to be part of a front line team providing a vital service to local residents.We have part time and full time positions available enabling you to work around other commitments.You will work with other team members over various routes that will change daily.You will need to be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and be able to walk up to 12 miles a day.You will need to be polite to customers and other members of the public who you will come into contact with.Have a understanding of treating all staff and customers respectfully.An initial screening interview of 5 minutes will take place via Teams.You will be responsible for collection of waste from residential & commercial properties ensuring that we give our residents the best possible service at all times. Assisting with missed bins at the end of the day Work in a safe manner and assist driver with reversing when required. You could be working outside in all weathers providing this essential service. There will be an element of vehicle cleaning and light maintenance as we always ensure our vehicles are in excellent condition. Clearing up any spillages that occur during the day. Assist with daily and weekly checks. Wear appropriate uniform and protective clothing. To report all incidents and near misses as they occur. The role involves some customer service dealing with the public and answering their queries.### About youYou will be physically fit as the role can be quite demanding and you may have to walk up to 12 miles a day. You should enjoy working outside with a small team as the crews are self-driven having to work with their own initiative. You should have a flexible approach to work with a positive attitude as the role can be varied. Exhibit a can do attitude and be willing to learn and take on more responsibility as you develop. Contact Garry Edwards if have any question concerning the role via email [e-mail]### Our benefitsHere at North Northamptonshire Council, we’re transforming for the better, using all our creativity and imagination to create the best life for our local people.You’ll find that we have a wide range of careers that may be more surprising than you think!We offer a vibrant working environment with:* a competitive salary* a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.* lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council* generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days* hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work-life balance.We provide a range of great benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, an Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates, as well as supporting a range of active Employee Network Groups.Our Values and BehavioursOur values define who we are and how we operate, by forming the foundation for how we interact with our customers, colleagues and provide our services. They are also at the forefront of our decision making and delivery and are:Customer-focused Respectful Efficient Supportive TrustworthyOur Key CommitmentsOur key commitments help ensure that the priorities we make, now and in the future, maintain the necessary breadth of focus in those areas that we believe matter most.We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and is committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.North Northamptonshire Council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in June 2024 which highlights the Council’s pledge to support the Armed Forces community. The council obtained the silver status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and we are now currently working towards achieving Gold status.Further information can be found at Jobs and careers | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk)### Household waste and recycling operative* **Salary** £27,254 - £27,694* **Salary Frequency** Annual* **Working Hours** 37* **Job Reference** Ref/2642/7443* **Contract Type** Full Time* **Contract Details** Permanent* **Closing Date** 31 January, 2026* **Job Category** Waste Management* **Location** Kettering and Wellingborough, United Kingdom* **Job Posted Date** 17 October, 2025