This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification is for those engaged in waste management who undertake waste collection and processing across a range of government and private sectors involved in municipal, solid, commercial, industrial, construction and demolition waste management.
Job roles and titles vary across the waste management industry and fall within two key areas of activity:
- collection: waste collection and transfer
- processing: waste treatment, disposal, remediation and resource recovery.
Individuals with this qualification perform tasks in varied contexts, which involve known routines, methods and procedures, and judgement in recognising waste types and managing hazards.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to the operation of vehicles, plant and equipment used in waste management in some jurisdictions and should be confirmed prior to commencing this qualification. For further information, check with the relevant regulatory authority.
-
Financial help
-
Government funding is not available for this course.
-
-
Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
-
VET Student Loans are not available
-
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
-
-
On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
-
Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
-
Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through traineeship:
2 years - Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Through traineeship:
-
Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Conduct waste resource recovery | Core |
| Follow work health and safety procedures | Core |
| Identify and respond to hazards and emergencies in waste management | Core |
| Identify and segregate waste | Core |
| Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements | Elective |
| Apply knowledge of WHS laws in the workplace | Elective |
| Assess and advise on waste avoidance options | Elective |
| Comply with environmental protection requirements when transporting waste | Elective |
| Conduct waste assessments | Elective |
| Conduct weighbridge operations | Elective |
| Contribute to team effectiveness | Elective |
| Deliver and monitor a service to customers | Elective |
| Dispatch materials and composted product | Elective |
| Drive multi-combination vehicle | Elective |
| Implement erosion and sediment control measures | Elective |
| Lead team effectiveness | Elective |
| Load and unload vehicles carrying special loads | Elective |
| Maintain storage area for waste management equipment and consumables | Elective |
| Maintain waste landfill sites | Elective |
| Operate a front lift mobile compaction/collection vehicle | Elective |
| Operate a lift on/lift off collection vehicle | Elective |
| Operate a liquid waste collection vehicle | Elective |
| Operate a mobile chipper/mulcher | Elective |
| Operate a rear loading mobile compaction/collection vehicle | Elective |
| Operate a roll on/roll off collection vehicle | Elective |
| Operate a side loading mobile compaction/collection vehicle | Elective |
| Operate compost processing plant, machinery and equipment | Elective |
| Organise workplace information | Elective |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | Elective |
| Place, compact and cover waste at landfill sites | Elective |
| Prepare raw materials and compost feedstock | Elective |
| Prepare value added compost-based products | Elective |
| Process waste using plant | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provide sales solutions to customers | Elective |
| Provide waste management information to stakeholders | Elective |
| Receive, transfer and dispatch waste | Elective |
| Recommend products and services | Elective |
| Respond to enquiries and complaints | Elective |
| Shift materials safely using manual handling methods | Elective |
| Store and handle dangerous goods and hazardous substances | Elective |
| Store and monitor contained waste | Elective |
| Work in a socially diverse environment | Elective |
| Working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Waste Management sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
-
Recycling Worker
ANZSCO 839918
Recycling Workers perform routine tasks in recycling facilities, such as sorting, packing and storing plastics, glass, paper, metals and other recyclable materials which have been collected from household, commercial and industrial premises in preparation for use in creating new products.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education -
Recycling and Rubbish Collector
ANZSCO 899611
Recycling and Rubbish Collectors collect household, commercial and industrial waste for recycling and disposal.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Waste Management
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
-
Academy Green Learning (RTO code 6187)
Contact this provider
-
FUSION TRAINING SOLUTIONS (RTO code 91812)
Contact this provider
-
National Training Organisation Pty Ltd (RTO code 90772)
Contact this provider
-
THE TRAINING COMPANY (AUS) PTY LTD (RTO code 45600)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.