Hazardous waste technician
Also known as: waste disposal site compliance technician, waste disposal compliance technician, landfill site technician, waste treatment technician, toxic waste treatment technician, waste sortation technician
About this occupation
Hazardous waste technicians dispose of materials that have been in contact with or are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic or a combination of the aforementioned hazardous traits. They remove the waste from industrial facilities or households and transport them to a treatment facility to ensure they are treated and disposed of according to regulations. They may also advise on the proper treatment of hazardous waste, and aid in the clean-up of hazardous waste spills.
A specialisation of chemical engineering technician.
Essential skills and knowledge
- remove contaminated materials
- assess contamination
- assess waste type
- hazardous waste storage
- waste management
- avoid contamination
- hazardous waste treatment
- hazardous waste types
- dispose of hazardous waste
- waste and scrap products
- ensure compliance with waste legislative regulations
- hazardous materials transportation
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health (O*NET 19-4042.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Science
US median pay: US$55,090 a year (2025), 34,670 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.5)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyImportant (3.4)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Environmental Engineers
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Conservation Scientists
- Water Resource Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.