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Sorter labourer

Also called grader, sorter, recycler

Sorter labourers sort recyclable materials and waste from a recycling stream, and ensure no unsuitable materials wind up among the recyclable materials. They inspect the materials and perform cleaning duties, and work in compliance with waste regulations.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospects39 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Refuse workers and other elementary workersWhat does it pay?Below averageFrom about €700 (Bulgaria) to €4,000 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Refuse workers and other elementary workersWhat do I need to study?Basic schooling4 in 10 have basic schooling only. 4 in 10 train through vocational routes.Refuse workers and other elementary workersWill AI change it?Very littleLevel 1 of 6. AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.Refuse sorters · ILO

What you'd do

Refuse sorters · ILO
  • Searching through refuse and collecting items for recycling from dump sites, domestic, commercial and industrial premises or from public places such as streets
  • Sorting cardboard, paper, glass, plastic, aluminium or other recyclable materials by type
  • Placing recyclable items and materials in designated compartments and containers for storage or transportation
  • Identifying and setting aside items of furniture, equipment, machinery or components that are suitable for repair or re-use
  • Transporting recyclable items by hand or using non-motorized vehicles
  • Selling recyclable or reusable materials
Operate recycling processing equipmentAssess waste typeManage wasteSort wasteHandle chemical cleaning agents+ 2 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Mostly outdoors
  • A mix of sitting and standing
  • Lots of contact with people
  • Some freedom to decide
  • Often more than 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the US job "Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

Many jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as refuse workers and other elementary workers in the EU
2.04m2.13m2.42m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
247,000 new jobs 599,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Refuse workers and other elementary workers39
All jobs29
Right now
4 of 27 countries report a shortage of refuse sorters, 5 a surplus.
Refuse sorters · EURES

What does it pay?

Below average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €700 a month (Bulgaria) to €4,000 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among elementary occupations in the EU, women earn 9% less per hour than men. Elementary occupations · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Basic schooling

Most people start with basic schooling and learn on the job.

Highest qualification of refuse workers and other elementary workers (EU, 2025)
Degree 7%Vocational 36%General secondary 13%Basic schooling 44%
Fields that teach it
Community sanitation · Wholesale and retail sales
Vocational route, EU
4 in 10 trainees in this field

Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Very little

AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.18 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 6 tasks
Selling recyclable or reusable materials0.41
Identifying and setting aside items of furniture, equipment, machinery or components that are suitable for repair or re-use0.15
Placing recyclable items and materials in designated compartments and containers for storage or transportation0.15
Sorting cardboard, paper, glass, plastic, aluminium or other recyclable materials by type0.15
Searching through refuse and collecting items for recycling from dump sites, domestic, commercial and industrial premises or from public places such as streets0.14
Transporting recyclable items by hand or using non-motorized vehicles0.09

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for refuse sorters. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).