Overview
What is a Waste Manager?
Waste Managers are built environment professionals that are responsible for the management, organisation, disposal and treatment of waste. They develop plans to drive efficiency and streamline the waste management process, whilst simultaneously addressing its environmental impact.
Professionals responsible for leading waste management services may go by other, similar job titles, including Waste Engineer, Waste Management Officer, Waste Disposal Manager and Environmental Services Manager.
How much do Waste Managers earn?
The average salary of a Waste Manager is usually between: £25,000 – £75,000
Skills
What’s required for the role?
- Excellent communication skills
- Comfort working in teams
- Relationship building
- Commercial awareness
- Problem-solving skills
- The ability to negotiate
- Report writing
- Project management
- Technical skills
- An analytical mindset
- Sustainability literacy
- An understanding of environmental regulations
Details
What does a Waste Manager do?
Waste management professionals have a wide range of responsibilities in their role. They may be expected to:
What is the work environment like?
Waste management jobs can be physically demanding. You’ll predominantly be working from the office, but will often have to meet with clients, work on-site and visit challenging environments.
Waste Managers generally work a 9-5 schedule, although in the private sector this may vary. Depending on the nature of your employer, you may be expected to travel and meet with clients.
Opportunities
Is waste management a good career?
It’s not just industries like construction, real estate and architecture that are in need of green talent. Waste management is a growing discipline in the built environment that will play a crucial role in the push to net zero and sustainability in the sector.
According to a report by the Chartered Institution of Waste Managers (CIWM), 240,000 new waste and recycling roles will be created by 2040. At the core of this need for waste management talent are net zero emissions targets, health issues and increasing legal obligations.
However, waste management companies are finding that both public perception and a lack of awareness of the profession present a challenge for generating support, driving change and attracting new talent.
In truth, a role as a Waste Manager can offer an attractive salary, long-term job security and significant opportunities for progression. For people motivated by climate change and the issues facing the planet, this can be a rewarding career path.
Become a waste manager
Who can work in waste management?
If you’re passionate about sustainability and have an interest in waste management, nothing is stopping you from pursuing a career in this area. At UCEM, thousands of students from various backgrounds have obtained the professionally-recognised qualifications needed to begin their journeys in the built environment. Find out about their experiences below:
How to become a Waste Manager
Waste management companies will typically expect professionals to have a relevant degree in a related subject, like environmental science, environmental management or geography. Specific qualifications in waste management do exist and are also available in postgraduate form.
Many Waste Managers will seek professional membership with the CIWM. A CIWM-accredited degree can put you in a strong position with employers.
Along with obtaining degrees, online CPD courses in relevant subjects can strengthen your employment credentials, such as:
