Recycled metals workers grade, sort, clean and bale scrap metal for recycling. After receiving a load of scrap, recycled metals workers:

• weigh and record each load
• grade and sort it according to quality and value, either by hand or machine
• use metal cutters and burners to dismantle large metal items like industrial machinery
• use hydraulic shears or fragmenters to shred scrap into small pieces
• clean the scrap metal
• use machines (balers) to crush the scrap into bales
• operate lift trucks or cranes to stack or load the sorted metal.

Some workers also drive lorries to deliver the recycled metal.

Hours and Environment

Recycled metals workers usually work around 40 hours a week Monday to Friday. Overtime may be available.

The work often takes place outdoors, in all weather conditions. The job can be physical with lots of bending and lifting. Conditions can be dirty and noisy. Recycled metals workers must wear protective clothing such as safety boots, goggles, helmets and gloves.

Skills and Interests

To be a recycled metals worker, you should:

• have a good standard of health and fitness
• be able to work as part of a team
• feel confident operating machinery
• be aware of health and safety.

Entry

You do not need any formal qualifications to become a recycled metals worker. You must be aged over 18 to use certain cutting and crushing machines and lifting equipment.

It will be useful if you have previous experience of working in metal fabrication, or operating cranes or lift trucks.

A driving licence is an advantage. If your job involves driving lorries, you will need the appropriate Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence. See the Large Goods Vehicle Driver profile for information on how to qualify as an LGV driver.

Training

You will be trained on the job by experienced staff. Your training will cover health and safety, and how to use cutting, sorting and baling machinery. You may also be trained in using fork-lift trucks and cranes.

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) offers relevant training, including:

• a Health and Safety Passport scheme
• the Recycling Industry Plant Operator Training Scheme.

See the BMRA website for more details.

Your employer may offer you the chance to work towards NVQ/SVQ Levels 1 to 2 in Recycling Operations or Levels 1 to 4 in Waste Management Operations.

Opportunities

As a recycled metals worker you could work for large scrap contractors or small local businesses.

In recent years, recycling has become more common as local authorities need to meet recycling targets, so opportunities in metals recycling are growing.

Jobs may be advertised in the local press, or you could contact local scrap dealers and reclamation companies directly to find out about opportunities.

With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager, if you work for a larger recycling operation. You could also become self-employed and start your own business.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Recycled metals workers earn from £13,000 a year.

Further information

Friars Gate Two
1011 Stratford Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4BN
Tel: 0845 077 9922 16 High Street
Brampton
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE28 4TU
Tel: 01480 455249