Cherie Iyidor-Jones, 26, works as a refuse loader at Bifa’s Culham depot in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, a role she took on in 2023 after a career shift from managing at McDonald’s. Iyidor-Jones describes her job as physically demanding but rewarding, highlighting the transition from preconceived notions about refuse collection to the realities of the work.

She begins her shifts early, starting at 5:45 a.m. for eight-hour days and adjusts start times during heatwaves to avoid the hottest hours. Iyidor-Jones and her team, which includes a driver and another loader, cover regular routes through areas such as Sonning Common, Garsington, and Berinsfield. The familiarity with residents often leads to positive interactions, with some offering refreshments or small gifts, especially during challenging weather conditions.

The job involves using hydraulic lifters attached to the rear of the truck to lift and empty wheelie bins, a technological improvement from earlier methods requiring manual labor. Iyidor-Jones points out that the truck, which weighs about 15 tonnes when empty, compresses waste to conserve space, allowing it to collect up to 1,300 bins in a day with a full load weight of approximately 26 tonnes.

Although the physical demands initially caused her soreness, Iyidor-Jones has built strength over time and appreciates the considerable exercise her job provides. She notes particular challenges such as handling bins with unpleasant contents, including nappies, and navigating narrow lanes where motorists sometimes drive on pavements to overtake the slow-moving vehicle.

Safety equipment is essential, with high-visibility clothing, steel-capped boots, and durable gloves protecting workers from hazards like broken glass and heavy lifting. Despite the early hours and physically intense tasks, the job offers a sense of community and contribution. Occasionally, workers encounter emergency situations; Iyidor-Jones recalled assisting a woman injured on a farm, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the role.

Refuse collection staff at the Culham depot number around 215, with a small proportion being female. Iyidor-Jones acknowledges that refuse loading is not a typical choice for women but stresses the inclusivity of the role within her workplace. Her boyfriend, who is also in the refuse sector, is soon to take on driving responsibilities after obtaining an HGV license.

The usual pay for refuse loaders ranges roughly between £12.92 and £13.84 per hour, varying by region. Iyidor-Jones concludes that while the work may not appeal to everyone, she finds satisfaction in her position and enjoys the outdoor, active nature of the job, though she prefers not to handle refuse tasks at home.