OSCA 839138: Recycling Worker
Performs routine tasks in a recycling facility, such as sorting, packing and storing plastics, glass, paper, metals and other recyclable materials that have been collected from household, commercial and industrial premises in preparation for use in creating new products. This record sits in Materials and Chemical Process Workers. Related ANZSIC industry links are included for faster classification cross-checking. Skill level 5 is attached to this occupation record.
Should you use OSCA or ANZSCO?
OSCA 2024 is the current Australian occupation classification for storing, organising and reporting occupation information. Use this OSCA record for current Australian statistical and analytical classification work.
Some migration and administrative programs still specify ANZSCO 2022. Check the exact system named by the agency or form rather than replacing the code automatically.
Official ANZSCO correspondence
Role overview
Performs routine tasks in a recycling facility, such as sorting, packing and storing plastics, glass, paper, metals and other recyclable materials that have been collected from household, commercial and industrial premises in preparation for use in creating new products.
Use this page to confirm the official title, the parent unit group, the task list and the related ANZSIC industry context before using the occupation in classification, reporting or migration-adjacent workflows.
Occupation facts
- Skill level
- 5
- Major group
- 8 Labourers
- Sub-major group
- 83 Factory Process Workers
- Minor group
- 839 Miscellaneous Factory Process Workers
- Unit group
- 8391 Materials and Chemical Process Workers
Tasks
- Inspects materials for contamination and removes non-recyclable items
- Sorts and packs materials for further processing
- Operates machinery and equipment to assist in the recycling process
- Monitors and maintains inventory of recyclable materials
- Follows safety procedures and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries
Skill level guidance
Skill level helps place the occupation inside the ABS hierarchy. Use it as a classification cue, then check the actual task list and occupational context before making a decision for HR, visa or reporting work.
How to use this occupation page
Start with the official OSCA title and task list. Then confirm the parent unit group and compare the related occupations on this page if the job title is broad, overlapping or used differently across employers.
The ANZSIC links are there to help when the same occupation appears across several industries and you need the business-side classification as well.
Related occupations
Industry context
Alternative titles
- Recycling Sorter
Compare before choosing
Compare OSCA 839138 with related occupations
Compare roles in the same OSCA unit group by their official definition, skill level, tasks and recognised alternative titles.
| Comparison point | Current code839138 Recycling Worker | 839131 Cement and Concrete Plant Worker | 839132 Chemical Plant Worker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official role definition | Performs routine tasks in a recycling facility, such as sorting, packing and storing plastics, glass, paper, metals and other recyclable materials that have been collected from household, commercial and industrial premises in preparation for use in creating new products. | Performs routine tasks in manufacturing cement and concrete products, such as greasing and assembling concrete moulds, holding reinforcing steel in position during concrete pours, stripping moulds from dried concrete products, and finishing products. | Performs routine tasks in a chemical processing plant, such as delivering materials to processing areas, dumping ingredients into hoppers, filling and fastening covers on containers, and attaching labels and information on products. |
| Skill level | Skill Level 5 | Skill Level 5 | Skill Level 5 |
| Key tasks |
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| Alternative titles |
| Not stated | Not stated |
Comparison uses occupation definitions, skill levels, tasks and title variants from the ABS OSCA data files.
Compliance risk score
4 of 4 factors passing
In this section
Frequently asked questions
What does OSCA 839138 do?
Recycling Worker is the current ABS occupation record used to describe a specific occupation. It sits in the OSCA hierarchy and carries skill-level context plus related titles and tasks.
How should I read the skill level?
The skill level tells you the educational or training depth that the ABS associates with the occupation. It is a classification signal, not a salary band or a qualification checklist on its own.
Why is industry context shown on an occupation page?
Industry context helps when the title is common or ambiguous. It shows where the occupation is typically employed so you can compare it with the right ANZSIC family.
Source and trust
- Official source
- ABS OSCA 2024 release and correspondence tables
- Last reviewed
- 2026-04-17
This site is an independent reference resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the ABS, ATO or any Australian Government agency.
Please verify critical classification decisions with the official authority before using them for tax, payroll, licensing, immigration or compliance work.