Case study - Terry
When Terry Young worked as a bin man over the summer holidays, he never imagined it would lead to a full-time career in recycling.
Terry (21) spent summers working with Perth & Kinross Council’s refuse and recycling team while he was a student.
And, despite graduating with a degree in Quantity Surveying, Terry decided he wanted to work in recycling full-time.
He got a job as a Waste Minimisation Officer with the Council and has spent the last nine months encouraging businesses to recycle more of their waste.
Terry explained: "Basically my job involves working with the 1500 businesses in Perth and Kinross and making it easy for them to recycle.
"I visit businesses in the area and speak to them about the items they are recycling and the things which they aren’t recycling yet, but could be.
"We can offer them services to help them recycle glass, paper, cardboard and cans.
"Recycling is becoming the norm now and I’ve definitely noticed a big difference compared to when I started working with the council a few years ago."
To apply for a job as a Waste Minimisation Officer you need an HND and a driving licence. However, skills such as being able to work well with other people, being good with numbers and having good communication skills are equally important.
Terry works closely with other staff in the council’s Waste Services department. For example, before he visits a business, the Waste Awareness Team will send the company an information pack about recycling.
Terry then visits the company and talks them through other items which they could be recycling and what the council can offer to help them do this.
Terry added: "One of the best things about this job is being out and about meeting new people all the time. But every day is different.
"It’s also great to know we’re helping make a difference to the environment."