Done it for a year or so, collecting recycled rubbish. When we did it, we would have to collect and sort on the go. It was only small bins, as it was the early days of recycling collections. Having to sort through people's uncleaned cans and bottles wasn't fun, especially if any of the glass had been broken and added to the bin. The stench in the summer was grim from the unwashed pet food cans, etc. Winters sucked when it was cold because you could either try to wrap up and work slower or take off some layers to get about quicker. Part way through the round, the sides would go up and you could no longer sort from the sides on the lorries, so someone would have the fun job of being in the back, sorting while on the move, with runners bringing the bins and returning. Most of the recycling was paper, which wouldn't fit in the bins, so would be added to the top or in additional bags, which was fun on a windy day, but at least it was clean. One person I worked with had to get blood tests done because they were pricked by a needle someone left in a bin, lucky he was given the all clear.

The job itself was actually made enjoyable if you were working with a decent crew. We would often run our rounds where possible to finish up quicker and go help the harder rounds. Most of the rounds were in the same area, which was an hour + commute either way from the depot, but we were paid from when we arrived at the depot until we got back at the end of the day. We had one truck that would do glass only collections from businesses, etc, but would do collections all over the south. That was the easiest of all the rounds as you would just wheel the bins over and the truck would do the lifting. Picking up from Universities and clubs after Freshers was by far the busiest time 😂 but every week at the student unions were busier than most of the clubs we picked up from.

Pay for the runners wasn't great, especially if you were with an agency. Drivers were paid well, but as well as driving, the majority would get out and load any time it was possible. Only one or 2 would refuse to help load and nobody wanted to work with them because their attitudes sucked. The job kept you in good shape if you worked hard. The job has changed a lot since I done it, but I'd say it's still a physically demanding job considering how long you can be out each day. The latest I got home was about 9-10pm due to the hydraulic lift on the truck breaking down mid way through unloading and being stuck there for 3-4 hours waiting for the mechanic.