Waste Operative

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Wales; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A major health board in the UK is hiring a Waste Operative to ensure safe and efficient waste management across the hospital. The successful candidate will collect, segregate, and transport various types of waste, maintain safety standards, and comply with health legislation. A valid UK driving licence is essential, along with experience in a physical role and knowledge of healthcare waste management. This role is crucial for maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid UK driving licence.
• Experience operating electric tug vehicles and tail lift vans.

Responsibilities

• Collect, transport, and safely dispose of clinical, hazardous, and domestic waste.
• Ensure correct segregation of waste streams.
• Operate waste handling equipment safely.

Skills

Experience working in a physical role

Knowledge and experience of healthcare waste management and legislation

Job description

Go back Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Waste Operative

The closing date is 08 January 2026

We are looking for a dedicated Waste Operative to join the Facilities team at University Hospital of Wales. This is a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient collection, segregation, and transportation of clinical, hazardous, and domestic waste across the hospital site. You will play a key part in maintaining infection control standards, supporting patient safety, and ensuring compliance with waste legislation and Health Board policies. The successful candidate will work as part of a team providing an essential service to clinical and non-clinical areas, contributing to a clean, safe, and sustainable environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main duties of the job

• Collect, transport, and safely dispose of clinical, hazardous, and domestic waste from designated areas within University Hospital of Wales.
• Ensure correct segregation of waste streams in line with Health Board policies, infection control standards, and statutory waste legislation.
• Operate waste handling equipment (e.g., trolleys, compactors) safely and report any faults promptly.
• Drive Health Board vehicles, including vans and electric tug vehicles, to transport waste between collection points and disposal areas.
• Maintain accurate records of waste movements and report any incidents or non-compliance.
• Adhere to Health & Safety procedures, including the use of appropriate PPE at all times.
• Provide a responsive service to clinical areas to ensure timely waste removal and prevent accumulation.
• Support sustainability initiatives by promoting correct waste segregation and recycling practices.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and clinical staff to maintain service standards.
• Undertake mandatory training and refresher courses relevant to waste handling, vehicle operation, and infection prevention.

About us

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.

Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click "Apply now" to view in Trac

Person Specification

Experience

• Must hold valid UK driving licence
• Experience operating electric tug vehicles and tail lift vans

Skills & Knowledge

• Experience working in a physical role
• Knowledge and experience of healthcare waste management and legislation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board