Rankings β Will AI Replaceβ¦
Will AI Replace Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors?
π‘ Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors have a composite risk score of 63/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 93%, GenAI exposure: 44/100). With 139,180 workers in the US, this is one of the most AI-vulnerable occupations. Full occupation profile β
π― The Verdict
Likely for many tasks. The role will look very different in 5β10 years.
With 139,180 workers and a median wage of $48K,refuse and recyclable material collectors represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 44%, meaning a minority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.
Risk Score
63/100
Employment
139,180
Median Wage
$48K
GenAI Exposure
44%
β οΈ 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
π‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace
Navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions
Emergency situation response and quick decision-making
Customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery
π Career Transition Paths
Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
76% skills overlap Β· $62K median wage
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
83% skills overlap Β· $64K median wage
Air Transportation Workers
79% skills overlap Β· $107K median wage
β Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI completely replace refuse and recyclable material collectors?
Likely for many tasks. The role will look very different in 5β10 years.
What is the AI risk score for refuse and recyclable material collectors?
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors have a composite AI automation risk score of 63 out of 100, classified as "High Risk".
How many refuse and recyclable material collectors are there in the US?
There are approximately 139,180 refuse and recyclable material collectors employed in the United States.
What do refuse and recyclable material collectors earn?
The median annual wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors is $48K.
What skills should refuse and recyclable material collectors develop?
Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: navigating unpredictable road and weather conditions, emergency situation response and quick decision-making, customer interaction and conflict resolution during delivery. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.