SOC 53-7081
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Risk Score
⚠️63/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥139,180
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$48K
$32K – $75K
Projected Growth
📈+0.9%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖44/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors face a risk score of 63/100 — 19 points above the national average of 44. With only 44/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $48K ($2K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 63/100, Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like drone delivery displacing last-mile logistics workers are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 139,180 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions and emergency situation response and quick decision-making to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Drone delivery displacing last-mile logistics workers
Autonomous vehicle and self-driving truck technology
Automated warehouse sorting and loading systems
AI traffic management and fleet coordination
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions
Emergency situation response and quick decision-making
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 76% |
| Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 29 | $64K | 83% |
| Air Transportation Workers | 31 | $107K | 79% |