A dispute among bin workers in Birmingham has highlighted the removal of the role of Waste Recycling and Collection Officers, sparking concerns over worker safety and pay. With estimated annual losses ranging from £6,000 to £8,000, the impact on workers is set to be significant.
The dispute among bin workers in Birmingham has highlighted the removal of the role of Waste Recycling and Collection Officers (WRCO), who were paid more than some other bin workers.
This article aims to provide an overview of how much regular bin workers earn, including their roles in the process of bin collection.
Earnings for Bin Workers
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), workers in refuse and salvage occupations earned an average of £26,543 in 2024, equating to around £13 per hour.
However, this figure includes supervisors and those who undertake the collection and processing of refuse.
In contrast, the minimum wage for workers over 21 in 2024 was £11.44 per hour.
According to a survey by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the average hourly wage for bin workers in the UK is around £10.50.
However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as location and employer.
In London, for example, bin workers can earn up to £14 per hour.
The TUC also reports that bin workers are more likely to be employed by private contractors rather than local authorities.
This can impact their earnings and working conditions.
Pay Range for Bin Workers
The National Careers Service states that the pay range for a bin worker is on average between £24,000 and £30,000 per year, equivalent to £11.50 to £14.50 an hour.
In Birmingham City Council’s pay band for loaders, the pay range was from £24,027 to £25,992, corresponding to around £11.50 to £12.50 an hour.
The average bin worker salary varies depending on factors such as location, employer, and level of experience.
In the United Kingdom, for instance, bin workers can earn between £18,000 to £25,000 per annum, according to the UK's Office for National Statistics.
In the United States, the median annual wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors was $43,420 in May 2020, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Additionally, bin workers often receive benefits such as uniforms, safety equipment, and paid time off.
Drivers’ Earnings
Bin lorry drivers in Birmingham were accompanied by two loaders and a WRCO but are now expected to work with just three members of staff.
The average earnings for heavy and large goods vehicle drivers were £38,337, according to the ONS, although their pay range in Birmingham was from £33,366 to £40,476.
Driver's earnings refer to the compensation received by drivers for their services.
This can include wages, tips, and other forms of payment.
In the gig economy, drivers earn through ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft, food delivery services like GrubHub and UberEats, and trucking companies.
According to a report, the median earnings for ride-hailing drivers in the US is around $15-20 per hour, while truck drivers can earn up to $50,000 per year.
Removal of the WRCO Role
The removal of the WRCO role has led to concerns about worker safety and pay.
Unite, the union representing striking workers, claims that this back-of-the-lorry role is ‘safety critical.‘
However, Birmingham City Council disputes this, stating that none of the roles make specific reference to a lead person responsible for health and safety.
Potential Pay Cuts
Unite estimates that some workers could lose up to £8,000 per year due to the removal of the WRCO role.
The council, however, claims that the figures are incorrect and that no one will lose more than £6,000.
This difference in estimate is largely due to the calculation method used by Unite.
Agency Workers
The council employed 736 workers directly in refuse collection and 493 agency workers as of the end of 2024.
The average cost of employing agency workers was around £18.44 an hour, although this figure may include loaders, WRCOs, and drivers.
- bbc.com | How much do bin workers get paid?
