Waste Operative

NHS Jobs; Exeter; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Care certificate funding

Degree funding

Leadership qualifications

Flexible working

Annual leave 27–33 days

Occupational health services

Staff discounts

NHS Pension scheme

Cycle to work

Nursery onsite

Salary sacrifice options

Job summary

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a Waste Operative. The role involves collecting, transporting and decanting clinical and domestic waste in line with Trust policies and regulatory requirements.

You will drive Trust vehicles, perform daily maintenance checks and ensure waste containers are secure and correctly tagged. Training is provided on the job, with shift patterns including early, mid and late weeks and weekend working.

Responsibilities

• To be proficient in the collection, safe handling, transportation and decanting of all waste streams in accordance with departmental and Trust policies, procedures and statutory regulations.
• Keep ward and department disposal cupboards clear of all waste at all times and move to outside collection points, ensuring that all waste remains segmented during transportation.
• To be proficient in driving/using the relevant vehicles/trailers within the hospital environment and when collecting from the external sites that are covered by the Trust.
• Conduct daily tug/van maintenance checks to ensure, lights, horn, tyres etc., are all in working order and health and safety compliant.
• Report all defects with tugs/equipment/van to Waste supervisor/Line manager
• To undertake a weekly cleaning of electric vehicles trailers and Van.
• To ensure that clinical waste containers are kept locked at all times.
• To ensure that clinical waste containers are tagged with the correct colour coded waste stream.
• Cleaning of Domestic Waste Bins with pressure washer, as requested.
• The collection, transportation and decanting of bags of soiled linen in accordance with any statutory regulations and Trust/Departmental policies and procedures.
• To sort and consolidate waste at the collection points and prepare for collection by waste contractors.
• To participate actively in all relevant personal development and training.

Job description

More detail about the role An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the Waste Team at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Please see below more information about the Waste teams role and responsibilities:

• To be proficient in the collection, safe handling, transportation and decanting of all waste streams in accordance with departmental and Trust policies, procedures and statutory regulations.
• Keep ward and department disposal cupboards clear of all waste at all times and move to outside collection points, ensuring that all waste remains segmented during transportation.
• To be proficient in driving/using the relevant vehicles/trailers within the hospital environment and when collecting from the external sites that are covered by the Trust.
• Conduct daily tug/van maintenance checks to ensure, lights, horn, tyres etc., are all in working order and health and safety compliant.
• Report all defects with tugs/equipment/van to Waste supervisor/Line manager
• To undertake a weekly cleaning of electric vehicles trailers and Van.
• To ensure that clinical waste containers are kept locked at all times.
• To ensure that clinical waste containers are tagged with the correct colour coded waste stream.
• Cleaning of Domestic Waste Bins with pressure washer, as requested.
• The collection, transportation and decanting of bags of soiled linen in accordance with any statutory regulations and Trust/Departmental policies and procedures.
• To sort and consolidate waste at the collection points and prepare for collection by waste contractors.
• To participate actively in all relevant personal development and training.

Experience for the role is not essential as you will train, earn and learn whilst you work.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, (06:00 14:00 / 08:00 16:00 / 14:00 22:00) Including weekends and public bank holidays.

Interview Date: WC 16th November 2026

For further information please contact: Garth Saunders; Portering & Waste Manager on 07770692677 or [e-mail], Craig McIvor Portering & Waste Operations Manager on 07425413770 or [e-mail]

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

• Benefits We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
• This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications.
• Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills.
• Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.
• Looking after you is important to us.
• We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
• If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
• You’ll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
• Salary is not the only financial benefit
• You’ll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
• You will also have access to other benefits including: National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.