Fuel manager, recycling station

What does a fuel handler at a recycling station do? – Tasks and work environment

A fuel handler at a recycling station is responsible for receiving, sorting, and managing combustible waste used for energy recovery. The work involves assessing different types of materials, ensuring they are handled in an environmentally safe and efficient manner, and monitoring machinery and processes related to fuel preparation. The work environment is often physically demanding, involving outdoor work or large facilities, with safety routines and protective equipment as key elements. Heavy lifting, noise, and exposure to dust and odors may occur, requiring good physical condition and attention to detail.

Salary development over time

The salary for a fuel handler at a recycling station has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,100 SEK, which increased to 32 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 32 700 SEK, representing an overall increase of approximately 8.6% over three years. This trend reflects a general movement toward higher wages in the sanitation and recycling industry, where increased demand for specialized skills and environmental awareness have driven salary increases. Salaries are also influenced by factors such as education level, experience, and regional differences, but it is clear that the profession is valued more highly in the job market.

Fuel handler at a recycling station salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 32 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-high school education < 9 years)
• Highest salary: 35,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education ≥ 3 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 196 SEK
• Men's average salary: 32 800 SEK/month
• Women's average salary: 31 900 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on location and employer.

Education and qualifications

To work as a fuel handler at a recycling station, a high school education with a focus on technology, industry, or environment is usually required. Many employers also seek experience in similar work, as well as various certificates for machinery and safety. Practical experience and a good understanding of safety regulations are important merits. Specialized courses in waste management or energy recovery can provide advantages during hiring.

• High school education: Focus on technology, industry, or environment (3 years)
• Certifications: Forklift license, machinery operator certificate, hot work permits
• Internship: On-site learning during education is recommended
• Experience: Previous work in waste, recycling, or industry is advantageous
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition and understanding of safety routines

Common benefits and compensations

Fuel handlers at recycling stations are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing and protective gear, and sometimes subsidized meals or access to staff rooms. Shift work may provide additional pay, and some employers offer extra vacation days or bonus programs linked to productivity and safety goals.

Competition and challenges

The profession of fuel handler at a recycling station is characterized by a paradoxical labor market situation where there are both recruitment difficulties and high unemployment within the group. Despite large national employment opportunities, competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce. Challenges also include tough work environment requirements, the need for continuous updating of safety knowledge, and adapting to new environmental regulations. Employers often seek flexibility, responsibility, and good teamwork skills in applicants, which can be crucial for success in the profession.

Tips for those who want to become a fuel handler at a recycling station

To succeed as a fuel handler at a recycling station, it is important to be meticulous and strictly follow safety routines, as the work often takes place in environments with high risks. Good physical endurance is an advantage since heavy lifting and outdoor work are common. It is also important to be technically interested, as handling various machines and equipment is a large part of daily tasks. Teamwork skills are appreciated by employers, as the work often involves contact with colleagues and other actors at the facility. Showing responsibility and taking initiative can lead to increased trust and more tasks. For those who wish to develop further, ongoing training and staying updated on new environmental requirements are wise. Finally, being flexible is valuable, as tasks and working hours may vary.

Key facts about fuel handlers at a recycling station

• Education level: High school diploma, often with a focus on technology or industry
• Work environment: Physically demanding, often outdoors or in large facilities
• Work arrangement: Shift work is common, both full-time and hourly employment available
• Demand: Great opportunities for work nationwide according to the Employment Service
• Special skills: Machinery handling and safety certificates are advantageous

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a fuel handler at a recycling station can advance to roles such as waste management specialist or site supervisor. There are also opportunities for further education in environmental technology or process control to work with more advanced tasks. The Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are large and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years across the entire group of sanitation and recycling workers. This indicates stable future prospects and good opportunities for continued development within the sector. In our latest database, there were 123 job openings in the field, underscoring current demand.

Frequently asked questions about fuel handlers at a recycling station

• What does a fuel handler at a recycling station earn?
  - An average fuel handler at a recycling station earns 32 700 SEK per month.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries for the profession?
  - The lowest salary is 27,700 SEK and the highest is 35,000 SEK per month.
• Is special education required?
  - High school education with a focus on technology or industry and machine certificates are usually required.
• What does the work environment look like?
  - The work environment is often physically demanding and may involve outdoor work or large industrial facilities.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do within this profession.
• What are the future prospects?
  - According to the Employment Service, job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What career paths are available?
  - After a few years, you can advance to supervisor, specialist, or further education in environmental technology.