Refuse Collection Operative

The Riverside Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading social housing organization is seeking a Refuse Collection Operative to provide efficient refuse and waste collection services from void properties. The ideal candidate will have experience in manual labour, a full UK driving license, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team. This role offers competitive pay, a pension, and flexible working options within a hybrid model.

Benefits

Competitive pay & generous pension

28 days holidays plus bank holidays

Flexible working options available

Investment in learning and personal development

Wide range of benefits

Qualifications

• Previous experience in refuse collection, property clearance, or a similar manual labour role.
• Full UK driving licence (preferably clean).
• Ability to carry out physically demanding work safely.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect and safely dispose of waste, refuse, and bulky items from void properties.
• Carry out full property clearances as required.
• Support the Voids Team with ad-hoc duties including installation of key safes.
• Maintain accurate records of waste collections and disposals.
• Ensure all work is completed in compliance with relevant policies.
• Report property issues or maintenance concerns to the Voids Supervisor.
• Drive and maintain company vehicles in a clean and roadworthy condition.

Skills

Previous experience in refuse collection or property clearance

Full UK driving licence (preferably clean)

Ability to carry out physically demanding work safely

Good communication skills

Teamwork skills

Job description

Job Title: Refuse Collection Operative
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £29,456.18 per annum
Working Hours: 35 Hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday – Friday, Hybrid
Location: 220 Arlington, Camden

If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.

Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.

The difference you will make as a Refuse Collection Operative

To support the Voids Team by providing a responsive and efficient refuse and waste collection service from void (empty) properties. The role includes the removal and safe disposal of waste and unwanted items, as well as assisting with general clearance tasks, key management, and ad-hoc property-related duties such as key safe installations.

About you

• Previous experience in refuse collection, property clearance, or a similar manual labour role.
• Full UK driving licence (preferably clean).
• Ability to carry out physically demanding work safely.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Why Riverside?

At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.

We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.

Working with us, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay & generous pension
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options available
• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits

Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside

We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.

Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered.

Role Profile

• Collect and safely dispose of waste, refuse, and bulky items from void properties in line with environmental and health & safety regulations.
• Carry out full property clearances as required, ensuring voids are left clean and ready for maintenance or inspection.
• Support the Voids Team with ad-hoc duties including:
  • Installation of key safes.
  • Collection and delivery of property keys.
  • Delivery and collection of materials, tools, and equipment as required.
• Maintain accurate records of waste collections, disposals, and associated documentation.
• Ensure all work is completed in compliance with relevant policies, including environmental standards and safe working practices.
• Report any property issues, hazards, or maintenance concerns to the Voids Supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with other team members, contractors, and service partners to ensure efficient turnaround of void properties.
• Drive and maintain company vehicles in a clean and roadworthy condition, reporting defects or issues promptly.
• Represent the organisation in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

Additional Information

• Uniform and PPE will be provided.
• The role may require flexibility in working hours to meet service demands.
• Training and development opportunities will be available.

Person specification

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in refuse collection, property clearance, or a similar manual labour role.
• Full UK driving licence (preferably clean).
• Ability to carry out physically demanding work safely.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Understanding of health & safety procedures related to waste handling and property clearance.

Desirable

• Experience working within housing, local authority, or facilities management environments.
• Basic property maintenance skills (e.g. fitting key safes, minor repairs).
• Waste management or environmental services qualifications (desirable but not essential).

About Us

Riverside is one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit social housing and regeneration organisations, owning or managing around 75,000 homes from Irvine to Kent. We are a leading provider of supported housing services, particularly for those affected by homelessness, and our track record of transforming lives and revitalising neighbourhoods dates back over 90 years. We have plans to build over 15,000 affordable homes over the next decade.