How are bin collectors viewed? If you’re a bin collector do you tell everyone what your job is?
Posted by RoohsMama@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 318 comments
A colleague at work said she wouldn’t date a bin collector. Why is that? I think they are such an integral part of our society. I wouldn’t mind marrying a bin collector if I weren’t already married. At least they’re gainfully employed. My partner hasn’t been working for a while now.
For bin collectors, do you tell everyone what your job is? If not, how do you describe your job?
General_Night_6143@reddit
I did it after coming out of the forces as a fill in job in the early 2000s. Stayed for 7 years. Before household wheeled bins, was a backdoor collection for every house.
Would go out early on foot ‘pulling out’ and make piles of rubbish bags for the lorry to collect. Was job and knock back then, some days never saw the lorry. Would ring the crew when finished and be told to go home, back indoors by 11 - 12 latest.
When it changes to kerbside collection wasn’t allowed to go out early anymore and the job started to change for the worse, when they started planning for the wheeled bins I got promoted up in the office to help coordinate the bin distribution. During that time I took a promotion into the enforcement team and did a few more years.
Then came VR so I jumped ship completely.
The strange thing was I lost friends who thought the job was beneath me but the hours were great and it was physically demanding (so I didn’t need the gym) so I think people were jealous, I had great hours, Christmas tips were fantastic and I worked hard and had had afternoons and evenings off. I loved it. Didn’t miss the friends I lost.
I’m sure, although the job is now different, it’s still the same type of team work and laughter I had back in the day.
I’d recommend it. People come and go in and out of life so go for it.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Thanks for sharing! What did your partner think about the job?
runawaydebt@reddit
I wouldn't care, so long as he washes his hands before coming home.
Stable job, we'll always need bin men, AI can't take that job away
Jamesp1233@reddit
In Australia there is only a bin van driver who controls a robotic arm that grabs the bin and tips it into the trailer
Wd91@reddit
They dont have people to go around and collect the bins?
Jamesp1233@reddit
Nope none, my friends thought I was taking the piss when I told them we still do in England😂
Wd91@reddit
That sounds so much slower tbh.
Jonoabbo@reddit
How has it made a dudes life hell?
lost_send_berries@reddit
In the Netherlands they have vaults underground to collect bin bags. The labour required to empty them is much less than individual household bins. Less frequent collections and they use a robotic arm which can be controlled from inside their vehicle. https://www.core77.com/posts/102208/Amsterdams-Smart-System-of-Underground-Garbage-Bins
Thomas5020@reddit
Robotics can, and will.
But we're years away from that.
TheMagicTorch@reddit
Will that be before or after flying cars?
HatOfFlavour@reddit
We have flying cars, they're called helicopters
AceNova2217@reddit
We unironically do have flying cars, but they're highly impractical and expensive.
InnocentInvasion@reddit
Before the flying cars but after the robot sex maids
Total_Aerie_3778@reddit
Don’t forget robot marathon runners. They’ll probably be winning Olympic medalists.
RoutineCloud5993@reddit
They're called helicopters, mate
Thomas5020@reddit
Before.
amlamba@reddit
Somebody will drive, robots will do most of the work but you still need humans because it's humans putting bins out. Robots aren't advanced enough in situations where things aren't set up perfectly
Joyride4Life@reddit
I would have thought the driving bit is exactly the bit that would go. Someone will always end up having to wrangle things as the UK, and Europe for that matter, aren’t built with the wide roads and easy access you might see in America where the bin truck does everything from the drivers seat (and thus replaceable).
Disgruntled__Goat@reddit
Not anytime soon, but it could definitely be done in the future with self driving trucks, robots etc
BadMacaroniArt@reddit
They’re trying to take all the jobs away
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp9vk4vyyv1o
Staterae@reddit
My brother's a dustman, I'm a speciality doctor.
They're both jobs. They both require a specific set of skills and techniques, improve with practice, pay the bills.
I'd be just as bad at his job as he'd be at mine.
We all have a part to play in keeping civilisation spinning onwards. Making a status/class thing out of it seems silly.
beefygravy@reddit
Does your brother wear a dustman's hat?
never_cake@reddit
And cor blimey trousers, allegedly.
WotanMjolnir@reddit
I am willing to bet that he does not live in a council flat, though.
Still-BangingYourMum@reddit
Does he own a pair of Cor blimey trousers?
Second_Guess_25@reddit
I understood that reference.
DownrightDrewski@reddit
This is ridiculous, training to be a doctor takes years and a lot of mental effort. Being a binmen requires a bit of physical fitness and the ability to move a bin into position and press a button, then move the empty bin back.
Sure, they're both jobs, but the skill level required is world's apart. I'm pretty certain I could do the job of a binmen, I know for a fact I'm not qualified to be a doctor.
No-Mark4427@reddit
I think in the discourse people muddy up the essentiality of a job with the person performing it. Bin men, cleaners etc are absolutely must have jobs for society, they perform a vital function of course.
But for example, its far harder to replace a doctor than it is a cleaner. There is an endless supply of labour to do 'low skill' manual jobs even if they are highly important for society.
I don't really see why its so controversial to admit that - Bin men deserve a fair wage and respect like anyone else doing their job but its not wrong to pretend that they are far more easily replaced than someone who needs to spend half a decade studying to do their job.
DownrightDrewski@reddit
I'm with you 100% - people seem to think I'm putting binmen down. The reality is I'm calling it absurd that the doctor above is saying that they and their brother would struggle equally doing the others job.
Staterae@reddit
Galaxy MoM-z14 is one of the furthest celestial objects ever observed by the James Webb Space Telescope, the light from it reaching us now is about 13 billion years old.
But even with how rapidly the Hubble flow and expansion of the universe is carrying it away, tens of billions of light years...it'll never be as far as you are from the point I was gently trying to put across. 🙃
DownrightDrewski@reddit
No, I saw your point, but, I also saw how utterly ridiculous it was.
kipperfish@reddit
I want to see you do a few shifts as a binman. A few in Jan/Feb when it's pissing down and freezing, and a few in the summer when the heats up and everything stinks.
Low skill does not make a job easy, and high skill does not make a job hard.
DownrightDrewski@reddit
I'm not saying it's an easy job, if it were the physical fitness aspect wouldn't have been something I'd have mentioned. If I did it now I'd be dead on my feet for the first couple of weeks as I don't do a physical job anymore.
That doesn't stop the statement I made from being true though. I love how controversial that comment has ended up being, it's funny to me how indignant people seem to be about a pretty factual statement. Only on reddit would people agree with the statement that a doctor couldn't be a bin person.
kipperfish@reddit
It's the way you worded it
"A bit of.phsyical fitness"
"All they have to do is move a bin and press a button"
All doctors have to do is sit down and type on a keyboard and ask some questions. Dead easy mate.
PetersMapProject@reddit
Exactly. As with the saying "it's easy when you know how".
High skill jobs are often only hard while you're still learning how to do them. Low skill physical jobs are always hard - and often they become harder with age.
PetersMapProject@reddit
It's not the skill, it's the physical aspect of the graft.
I once had someone more accustomed to office work walk out on a café job after three hours, declaring it was "too hot" and she "couldn't possibly work in these conditions".
No_Pea-1@reddit
How many years did she train to become a cafe worker then?
PetersMapProject@reddit
Again, it's not the skill, it's the physical aspect and the graft.
No_Pea-1@reddit
Yep but anyone without significant physical disabilities can do it with a weeks training. Some people cant be arsed with the warmth.
PetersMapProject@reddit
I'm really unsure as to how you're not grasping this concept, despite repetition.
Wd91@reddit
Physical fitness isnt a skill as such but it is easily built. A few weeks/months of conditioning and most people would be physically capable of dragging around bins. Its not that strenuous.
DownrightDrewski@reddit
Yep, I acknowledge the physical fitness aspect. That's just conditioning though.
mdid@reddit
Low skill doesn't mean low effort.
DownrightDrewski@reddit
Did I imply that it does?
Surely if that were my intention then I wouldn't have mentioned the fitness aspect being relevant.
DamnitGravity@reddit
Your respect for manual labour workers does you credit.
/s
DownrightDrewski@reddit
I acknowledge the physical fitness aspect, do you assume I've never done a physical job or something?
RoutineCloud5993@reddit
You also have to be able to work in all conditions. Rain, snow, heatwave, because if you don't people complain. I imagine it's a very demanding job, and getting those bin lorries down different streets isn't exactly a walk in the park
Sanix_0000@reddit
Exactly lol why sugarcoat it? Anyone can do a bin men’s job unless you’re bedridden, handicapped or just really, really unfit.
Rough-Sprinkles2343@reddit
Oh stop with the nonsense. I’m a doctor too and there’s no way I would be as bad as a bin man as a bin man would be at our job.
It’s a bin man job. It’s not a skilled job. You can pick it up in a few days.
Staterae@reddit
My point has nothing to do with skill, learning, education, years of training, difficulty or lack thereof.
Have a look at the last line and try again. Imagine you're trying to parse a badly-worded phrase on a PubMed article.
Ok_Chipmunk_7066@reddit
My mates a binny. Best job he's ever had and he's proud to tell people.
He was a chef, worked 70 hour weeks, for shit money and was drinking himself to death to cope with the stress. His weigh ballooned to about 125kg
Quit, became a binny. 25k starting salary 7-8 years ago, and quickly got his HGV licence. So now is on about 36k. Not shabby for a guy with 4 GCSEs.
The job is heavily unionised, so you get above inflation payrises, a good pension, if you lose your job there is always another council nearby, and with his HGV qualification he walks into other well paid jobs if he wants them.
He starts work at 7am, and finishes 1030-11 most days. He is down to 82kg.
Also, he's a lads lad. So he spends all day chatting to other lads about football.
cgknight1@reddit
Depends where you are - many councils outsourced and the money isn't as good. My brother was TUPE'd and he kept his terms and conditions but other workers are on worst terms.
Ok_Chipmunk_7066@reddit
He's in Manchester, and they are sub contracted put to Biffa or Veola (one of them) but they still employed by council. So he's got good terms.
TelephoneOrnery1394@reddit
Four hours driving, wow, I’m in the wrong job. I’ve had a job where my commute was 2.5 hours (total, both ways) before.
Ok_Chipmunk_7066@reddit
Round is done when he's done, so do it quickly and can go home.
He's Manchester based as well, so there is always overtime on weekends cleaning after big events.
RoutineCloud5993@reddit
My brother in law is an hgv driver for DHL, after getting sick of the bullshit involved driving London buses for several years. Admittedly he usually works shifts during unsociable hours, which pay better, but he's absolutely raking it in.
I'm not sure what he did after GCSEs but he isn't the most academically minded person, so he didn't go and get a degree or anything of that sort. So he's doing pretty damn well for himself.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
He sounds like a fun guy!
kiddj1@reddit
If the salary was higher I couldn't actually think of more of a fun job to be honest
I love going to the tip and watched them crush the shit down, the guy in the digger always has a huge smile
Your colleague is insecure, people like this are just cunts
LongShotts@reddit
I currently work as a bin man in Birmingham. I have had a woman say to me "my family would have an issue with your job".
I don't go out my way and tell people, but if they ask I will tell them. I do the school run, so often turn up in my uniform (it's not as dirty job as people may expect), and I do feel a little shame I suppose, for my daughter, and the demographic of the school.
But I have alot of job satisfaction; work the lads all day, out in the fresh air, great working hours, and get some bung jobs aswell.
Its a temporary job for me, I'm circumstantially doing it, but it's an honest living and essential work.
I'm not too proud to do any job if necessary to provide for my family.
neilm1000@reddit
What is a bung job?
Respect everything in your post.
never_cake@reddit
“If I give you a twenty will you take this rolled up carpet with some shoes sticking out one end?”
Away-Ad4393@reddit
My Grandfather used to say “ A man should never be ashamed of his work clothes “ Without bin men and cleaners hospitals and schools could not function .
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Thanks for sharing! At the end of the day it’s an honest living and it’s a vital role. Your kid should be proud
MidnightRambler87@reddit
Your colleague is incredibly narrow minded.
It’s a job at the end of the day.
I agree with you that they are doing great work, but to not date one because of it? Bit weird.
DisMyLik18thAccount@reddit
Not just a job, it's a very important and respectable job
Jassida@reddit
And a receptacle job
TheMightyBattleCat@reddit
Well paid too by all accounts.
never_cake@reddit
Correction: it’s a job at the start of the day.
alivingstereo@reddit
Bin collectors are far more important to society than most finbros I know
krypto-pscyho-chimp@reddit
I'm a bus driver. I used to be a staff manager in the same industry. I'd still rather be a "waste refuse collector" than go back to working in an office dealing with people, emails, databases, spreadsheets and reports all day.
I have the licence, driving a bin wagon is my backup plan. They are very good drivers, know how to handle tight spaces and are generally very considerate to us on the road. I have big respect for all of them.
zibafu@reddit
I usually view them through my bedroom window whilst sipping my morning brew.
Also your friend is a mong 😂
Groxy_@reddit
I have no negative view of the profession as a whole, but the private bin company we use for work is abysmal. They've binned my pad locks, IKEA bags, or just don't come if they don't feel like it. They've also came and then left if they deem it too full which will only make the problem worse.
Ebony_221b@reddit
What a thing to say. Good luck living safely without them!
They do a vital job.
YouSayWotNow@reddit
I have a lot of respect for bin collectors. It's a physical job and they no doubt have to deal with some difficult customers at times, not to mention bins with liquid and yuckiness in them, or where contents haven't been bagged properly.
I can't imagine thinking like that about not dating someone because they are a refuse collector. It's a much-needed, stable, perfectly decent job.
Anyone who said something like that I'm more likely to be judging her negatively than any bin collector, to be honest.
Alice_Da_Cat@reddit
I worked in customer service for a bin company for a few years - Whilst quite new, I called a bin man a tw*t as he had missed another bin collection - Management explained they have so many strict rules to follow which is why the bin was missed (health & safety, such as bin overflowing, wrong items in bin, bin not accessible to name a very small few) so their answer was to send me out on a bin run with them - Started at 4am, finished around 2pm - I will NEVER call a bin collector a name again, that is one of the hardest jobs, I have the upmost respect for bin collectors.
YQB123@reddit
Utmost respect*** not upmost.
Just FYI.
Alice_Da_Cat@reddit
I made it this far - The odd grammar / spelling mistake won't kill me 😅
Thank you though 🙂
PetersMapProject@reddit
TBF it sounds like all new starters in the job should be sent out on a bin round, and the bin men should do a day with the customer services team.
Teams tend to work together better when they understand each others jobs.
Alice_Da_Cat@reddit
We did always say this but sadly it was only when people had a bad word to say about the bin men, which fair because as I learnt, I'd much rather be sat in the nice warm office!
I did show one bin man the system once and he was so baffled, he also found a mutual respect for us in the office that day, in the end, I got on so well with everyone of the bin collectors!
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Thanks for sharing! It is hard work
Alice_Da_Cat@reddit
Honestly, I will never forget it - From falling asleep in the cab and going over a pothole and being jolted awake, to running from a rat and falling flat on my arse trying to jump back into the cab and not forgetting being completely unable to move a glass bin because despite it being the smallest one, they are the HEAVIEST!
I commend any bin people in the world and always make sure to smile & wave when waiting behind one whilst they empty the bins on the street!
never_cake@reddit
They’re typically fit, active guys, doing a very necessary job, and they finish early. The drivers often get big bonus shifts during the winter driving gritters. The ones round my way are cheerful and friendly, and look to be having a pretty good time. I’m a bit jealous of them tbh.
LetsAdultTogether@reddit
So let me go against all these wonderful angels in this chat haha. I wouldnt date a bin man. Give me a project manager, engineer or builder any day. Let the downvotes roll in 😂
clarerose85@reddit
I can’t believe I scrolled so long to see someone who wouldn’t date a bin man. I honestly think the people who wouldn’t are scared to post in this thread 😅
LetsAdultTogether@reddit
Of course they are scared. And a third of the people gushing in here saying it's not a problem for them are lying.
A downvote or comments berating me isn't going to hurt me physically or move me in any sort of way. So whatever, here i am saying naah it's one of the professions I wouldnt want my man to have.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Any particular reason why? What if the bin man was really cute.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Thanks for being honest
Loud_Fisherman_5878@reddit
Out of interest, what’s the British name for the lorry? My husband learnt english as a second language and calls it garbage truck which I am sure is American but now I can’t remember what I would have called it before! Is it bin lorry?
krypto-pscyho-chimp@reddit
A lot of people here call it a bin wagon.
Garbage is the name of a British 90s indie/alt rock band.
And very unlike our binmen and women, Garbage are "Only happy when it rains".
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
I think it is
Kitchen-Plant664@reddit
Good pay from what I hear. Hard work, lots of heavy lifting, so you know they’re dedicated. Don’t see what wrong with being a bin man; without them we’d all be up to our necks in shit.
MelmanCourt@reddit
Im from a working class family but went to uni, got my degree and have a solid professional career. I ran a waste management company for five years and helping out on the bins if there was an emergency or if we were doing an event was some of the most fun moments of my time there.
It's physical, keeps you fit, you meet people and it's pretty stress free (unless you're the driver). I never did it permanently but here and there it was great.
Foddley@reddit
It might not be the most glamorous job, but I have a ton of respect for the guys. All of our lives would be seriously inconvenienced without them.
PaidToBeRedditing@reddit
really never had a thought that I respect their job less than any other job. If anything, I worry that they judge me for having too many bottles of wine or vodka in the bin.
If im awake when they're collecting I always wonder if they would like a hot drink or a water to take away, or use my toilet like you would for someone working in your house, but it seems insane to offer at the speed they move.
Slackdarren@reddit
Been to a few events. When asked what I did for a living. They moved on and left me alone.
Rough-Sprinkles2343@reddit
I wouldn’t date one because it’s an unskilled job with no proper progression. Dirty too. Likely uneducated
Squadrone_Rosso@reddit
Say you’re in Waste Management & everyone will think you’re in the “Family”🤣
BungadinRidesAgain@reddit
It's a stereotype! And it's offensive!
Squadrone_Rosso@reddit
To OC types or bin collectors? 😜 Bin collectors do an excellent job in the main and add to society. OC types don’t.
Winkered@reddit
Well they take away from society. But I get your point. 👍
TheAdmiralDong@reddit
I still use this as a euphemism every day. Sad to see so many uncultured people not understand it.
NewtRider@reddit
It's a very active and demanding job that pays good money, it's just smelly.
Trash_Panda_Leaves@reddit
I'm reminded I am on the same salary as a bin collector often, so I think they are underpaid. As a child we were taught to be polite and one day a binman left a teddy on the bin for us (gift) my Mum gave it to me so I always respected binmen and thought they were nice (but did not realise he was flirting with her till I was an adult, I guess she couldn't really throw the bear away if the guy collected our bins!)
I do wish they'd come every week, but thats more on the councils.
I'm sick and became disabled last year, and its astounding how many documents reference that I have a degree, as if thats a point in my favour, are a bit dismissive because my job is low down (I work with kids but I like the role.) I am not more or less inherently human, I just had an accident with compensation and student loans and a part time job that carried me through education all the way. Not everyone gets that chance.
You might like the poem: https://poemanalysis.com/lawrence-ferlinghetti/two-scavengers-in-a-truck-two-beautiful-people-in-a-mercedes/
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Thanks for sharing the poem! It’s so fascinating and has such strong visuals.
wendz1980@reddit
I compare this to when I was nursing and new colleagues would come and look down on the auxiliaries, porters, domestic staff etc. I’d then ask them to imagine their shift without these people. No bins emptied, no floors cleaned, rubbish not removed from the ward, blood samples not taken to the labs. I could go on. Ask your colleague to imagine her world without bin collectors.
ibringsunshine@reddit
I always tell my children: bin men are some of the most important people in society. Different to doctors, but still absolutely integral to societal health.
killingmehere@reddit
My kid needs no convincing of the merits of the bin men. Hes obsessed. Couldn't give a shit about doctors, they dont even have cool hi vis vests, let alone giant lorries. In a world of 3 year old boys, the bin men would be kings.
PetersMapProject@reddit
People would become unwell a lot faster without binmen and sewer workers than without doctors.
Indeed, proper waste management has saved as many kids as medicine - when was the last time you heard of a child dying of cholera or typhoid?
ibringsunshine@reddit
Here here!
azzthom@reddit
As a child, I had friends at school whose fathers were "on the bins". Nobody thought any less of them or their dads. Back then (the eighties) it was a dirty job, and therefore reasonably well paid. I dont think any job is something to be ashamed of since such jobs exist because they are necessary.
zephyrthewonderdog@reddit
It’s hard work and dangerous. Quite a few bin men get run over by impatient motorists. They also end up with fucked up shoulders. It’s an important job - society needs them. They deserve whatever money they earn, probably more.
What does your colleague do that’s so important?
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Nurse in NHS
zephyrthewonderdog@reddit
What would her reaction be if a surgeon or doctor said he could never date someone who was ‘only’ a nurse?
Not my opinion obviously.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Oh, our nursing staff know way more than any doctor or surgeon! I’m joking obviously but yes some staff have a high opinion of themselves
zephyrthewonderdog@reddit
I have family members who are nurses. I get all the stories every time we have a family event. Mixture of admiration and horror.
RowRow1990@reddit
Pretty sure I said similar when I was young and an absolute idiot who thought shit like that would matter.
Then I got out in the real world of not being a child and I just don't care what job someone has, if they're working and they're happy in their job, that's enough.
Some people put far to much value on "appearances" (I can't think of a better word) rather than who the actual person is.
Your colleague sounds immature and shallow.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Thanks. I wouldn’t count them as young (probably mid thirties), but I guess they grew up during a time when people looked down their noses at such jobs…
I think some do, nowadays, but they don’t say it. It’s like old folks being racist… they know it’s not acceptable so they don’t say anything.
RhubarbImmediate7007@reddit
Once, the bin me let me load my own bin on the lifter. Made my day (I’m 44).
It’s a job, it’s no less glamorous than any other minimum wage outdoor job. I’d rather be a bin man than some jobs I’ve done!
Bloatville@reddit
Well now you've got me wanting to ask if I can do it too 😂
TheLordJalapeno@reddit
Hah. I genuinely love this 🤣
ElsaWinchester@reddit
I have a lot of respect. I could not get up early or do such a physical job
Ambiverthero@reddit
AI proof. Nothing wrong with good honest hard work.
Bloatville@reddit
Probably not robot proof though
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Yep. They’re too busy creating robots that do the office jobs. Also I think robot bin collectors are more expensive than humans
falkens_maze_70@reddit
They're important people and I found this out the hard way when I moved into a new road and argued with my local crew over a tangerine in the wong bin and man they never even glanced at my bins for the next two months which made my house smell like French cheese with a baseball bat so I go out there with 12 beers and a bin bag filled with every single Haribo I could buy and we all made peace. And now my bins are sparkling every week. Lovely fellas. Don't fuck with bin men is my view.
KeyRefrigerator8508@reddit
Our bin men went on strike a couple.of years ago for a couple.of.months or so. I remember reading the comments sections on various articles about it on the local newspaper website and there was no sympathy for them at all with words like easy job and Bitton pushers being banded about
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
I guess everyone going on strike gets called names. There’s another junior doctor strike recently and there’s no good feeling towards the strikers
Rough_Airline6780@reddit
Anyone who looks down on somebody because of their job needs to have a word with their self.
Ardashasaur@reddit
Sounds like you want your partner to be a bin collector.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Shhh 🤫
ConsciouslyIncomplet@reddit
I did a summer as a dustbin man when I was young (agency work). They work hard, but it was good fun.
I remember we used I get given quite a bit of food from businesses - cakes, sweets etc
We’d also find a fair amount of decent stuff that would we divvy up and keep. Occasionally a bit of cash, but often new items that had been thrown out.
Working over the summer was nice, you were done fairly early so had the afternoon off. I could imagine the winter would be more harsh.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Thanks for sharing! Yes it’s a good summer job I suppose, especially on a nice day like today’s. Winter - oof. It’s cold and dark even at midday.
akl78@reddit
Bin collectors are doing one of the most essential jobs out there.
In my experience they tend to be stand-up guys too.
Solid-Rise-8717@reddit
I have a theory that the return on investment on bin collectors is probably among the highest for public services. The amount of disease that is prevented from us being able to easily dispose of our waste is an enormous public health benefit.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
So true! I’m looking at the places where rubbish collection is at a standstill. It’s a health hazard!
WittySatisfaction958@reddit
My kids love waving at them, the bin men wave back. My kids are a good judge of character, thats enough for me.
Taylor_Kittenface@reddit
I was brought up being told the refuse collection people earned a good wage. They were the middle class earners, I didn't grow up on a council estate, a retiree street, but I bet those wages have sunk.
Looking it up there, £33k a year. Barely minimum wage.
Ouch.
Anyway, I like them. They get a crate of beer or biscuits at Xmas.
No_Pea-1@reddit
Barely minimum wage? Whats minimum wage to you?
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Yup. I think that’s a decent wage. It doesn’t count for low income household
macing13@reddit
33k is not just above minimum wage, that's above the median salary, meaning they're in the top 50% of earners. It's more than 6.5k a year above minimum wage, assuming a 40 hour workweek.
Separate_Flight3693@reddit
Sadly they are one of a number of jobs that used to pay well but doesn't anymore.
Most of IT support in the UK is like this.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Minimum wage is better than no wage I reckon.
InternationalRich150@reddit
My ex husband worked in refuse/recycling. When I met him he was more street cleansing,overnight emptying bins etc, but earned a bloody good wage. Over the years he worked his way up and before redundancy (he worked for cityclean, Brighton) he was a manager of Refuse and recycling but also drove the lorries so hed have to take a route out or rescue a crew whod broke down/sit with the broken down vehicle until it was collected.
I was never ashamed of his job,didnt occurr to me ever. On night shift he had some pretty nasty incidents, worst probably was clearing the aftermath of a nasty crash in Hove where he described flesh on the road... another time,he nearly crushed a fella asleep in a communal bin hed tipped, a colleague actually did and he had to support them through that. Once he got stabbed with a discarded needle in his leg, despite the protective trousers,and he had to deal with that...
They barely touch the bins now, I think once he come home absolutely stinking where something had exploded on him and a boil wash of uniform was required.
I came too close to the back of a refuse lorry once and the smell was horrible but he said you become nose blind to it, the cabs are clean and fresh and he never smelt bad generally. Over 30 years he did it and he enjoyed it mostly.
Bloatville@reddit
I'd never even considered the factor of people being in bins, how fortunate that he spotted it in time, and how awful for his colleague that he didn't.
I can't imagine having to process something like that.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Thanks for sharing! Your husband did an honourable job. I’m sorry he was made redundant. That’s terrible
DamnitGravity@reddit
I have MASSIVE respect for anyone brave and skilled enough to drive trucks and/or buses in this country.
I'm from Australia, where we have nice big roads with plenty of room. The roads here scare me, even when I was driving around in my small city car, and the lanes in places like Cornwall almost gave me multiple heart attacks.
I am in awe of your husband's ability to not destroy everything around him when driving a truck. I would not have that ability.
InternationalRich150@reddit
He actually taught me how to drive,hes a good driver. He did say modern lorries now, especially Refuse lorries, have so many cameras on them, but its still a feat imo, especially in brighton with some pretty narrow streets. I don't think i could do it myself....
Sure_Accountant597@reddit
It is an honourable job. If I were a bin collector, I would take pride in it.
Ecstatic-World1237@reddit
If your colleague went on strike how long would it be before anyone cared?
If binmen go on strike things nasty pretty quickly
Mgtks@reddit
reasonable pay for the actual hours, often not even 5 days a week. sounds like an alright deal!
Winter_Judgment7927@reddit
She's single isn't she?
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
I think so…
ghodsgift@reddit
Really hope people recognise these workers (and cleaners/domestic workers in general).
The world would go to shit without these guys. They all play such an important role in society.
cgknight1@reddit
My brother is a binman. We are from a working class area and he still lives there.
Nobody thinks anything of it.
The jobs suits him - he's home by lunch and then gets on with his side businesses. He was also TUPE'd from the council so his terms and conditions are superior to any of the newer lads on the wagon.
Ranger_1302@reddit
What are the hours and wage like?
cgknight1@reddit
He gets to the yard for about 600 and done by lunchtime.
Isgortio@reddit
I'm not a fan of early starts but I would do it for a 6-12 workday!
DarkStanley@reddit
People that look down on people for having a certain job are cunts.
NebCrushrr@reddit
I used to do it and was happy to tell people. Really enjoyed the job actually, but it doesn't pay well any more
Bloatville@reddit
Does it not?
That's upsetting to hear, it's such a vital service.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Thanks for sharing. Bin collectors deserve a raise imo.
DisMyLik18thAccount@reddit
Your coworker sounds like a pretentious snob
Low_Understanding_85@reddit
Rather a bin man than a banker or landlord.
LetsAdultTogether@reddit
Can you send the banker or landlord my way then please? I'll take the next one trying to chat you up off your hands, thank you
Low_Understanding_85@reddit
What's your address or phone number?
LetsAdultTogether@reddit
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging in Surrey. Thanks, you are a star 💕
3am-urethra-cactus@reddit
True true. Certainly not a career landlord anyway, but if you have a real job and you've ended up renting out your dad's old flat or something on the side, and you're reasonable to your tenants, that's fine. I'd rather rent from someone like that than a fuck off big property company.
Low_Understanding_85@reddit
Yeah I agree that's better, but just sell it.
SpecialistDaikon4663@reddit
Word
Doily_Enjoyer@reddit
My Dad used to do it seasonally to help out over the holiday absence periods on top of his factory job. Think I’d be disowned if I was anything less than respectful. Our lads & lasses round here are great, I try to make sure I’m never in their way & I did used to give them Christmas gifts but they’re not allowed them now.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Oh aren’t they allowed? I was thinking to leave a couple of lagers over Christmas, as was suggested by another commenter
Away-Ad4393@reddit
I usually give our bin men a Christmas card with 20 quid in it, they always accept it so 🤷♀️
Sensitive-Question42@reddit
It’s honest work. That’s all I care about.
Plus it’s an essential service. Rubbish collection will always be needed, especially in our throwaway society.
If my old man was a dustman and wore a dust man’s hat, if he wore cor’blimey trousers and lived a council flat, I’d be fine with that.
Bloatville@reddit
Core memory unlocked. Thanks for that! 🤠
Embarrassed-Art-5076@reddit
I wouldn't date a bin man in a million years but that's primarily due to the fact I'm a married, heterosexual male.
Much_Operation_7824@reddit
had me in the first half, not gonna lie
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
😆
Sad-Bag3443@reddit
What a terrible thing to say, a colleague to avoid for sure
BusyAioli6851@reddit
I don’t know any bin collectors but I view them as extremely hard working. It’s a hard graft that I couldn’t do so mad respect really.
itslilyitslily@reddit
Bin collectors are often physically fit, having to walk miles and drag bins around every day. It's a job that helps the community massively, you get free exercise and you're done by lunchtime. It's abit like being a postie except there's no stigma attached to posties.
If you date one, they can eventually do childcare in the afternoons which is a definite plus.
Bloatville@reddit
Tbh I'm inclined to respect someone more for doing a job like that, not less.
It's dangerous, it is very hard labour, it's unappealing to many, it sparks judgement from people like your colleague, but it is an essential cog in the wheel of a functioning system.
Just watch how quickly living conditions decline when there is a strike.
Your colleague is a knob.
-info-sec-@reddit
What's the salary?
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
For bin collectors I believe it’s a bit above minimum wage
Pukit@reddit
Best mate is a binman. He initially started as a foot soldier but did a HGV fast track and now drives the trucks.
Absolutely loves it, raves about the wage and the hours. He was a manager in a supermarket before but had enough of the hassle and left, he thinks getting on the trucks was the best decision he ever made and wishes he’d done it years ago.
Eight years in and you still can’t shut him up about how great it is when down the pub.
spinningdice@reddit
People are wankers sometimes, a job is a job and in the current climate I wouldn't be surprised if some bin collectors have degrees.
I bet they'll also be the first to complain if no-one did it and rubbish started piling up outside their house. Get's my goat a bit, same when people look down their nose at cleaners and wait staff. They're all more essential than many white collar jobs.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
I agree. Lots of useless CEOs around. Would rather have more bin collectors.
BeardSam@reddit
I was at the Edinburgh Fringe a couple of years ago when the Bin Collectors were on strike. I knew they were an important role in society but I definitely didn’t understand how important til then
The-lemon-kid-68@reddit
Thank goodness there are refuse collectors. My brother does this for a living and he loves it. It's made him super fit as well.
Davman65@reddit
I worked one year as a road sweeper while I was in my early twenties in the mid 80s. During that time I spent two weeks on the heavy wagon and two weeks on the bin wagon. The heavy wagon was the hardest job of the three. Working on the bin wagon we had to lift metal dustbins onto our backs. But we were finished by midday.
Back then there was very high unemployment in Newcastle upon Tyne so we were glad that we had the work. People looking down on us did not enter my mind but there will always be people like that.
I now have a good (Hons) degree but I have not been able to use it due to various medical issues including back issues from the heavy lifting jobs that I did in my twenties and mid thirties.
mrspillins@reddit
I'm with a bin man! He only started about 8 months ago and has been taken on by the council full-time after a period on agency. The job is great. He's home by 1, his tan is improving, he's got muscles (never had them before and doesn't gym), loves his crew, walks to work, and comes home with food treats and tips. This is after years of him working in sales and from home since COVID. He doesn't miss that type of micromanagement and dealing with people over the phone, meetings, and emails. As for me being his partner, I tell everyone it's a great job and I'm proud. I think most office jobs are utter bullshit based on the fact I work one myself. We live in a low-cost-of-living area though, so we don't need high salaries.
bmr-1@reddit
They are legends
limpingdba@reddit
Growing up around the working class estates being on the bins was seen as a pretty good job. Good pay, keeps you fit and finished by noon. Plus all the standard public sector benefits. Yes it's a bit smelly but your colleague is just a bit of a snob.
Away_Swim1967@reddit
I was a bin man for the summer between A levels and uni. Its a really good summer weather job, hard work but enjoyable. After 30 yrs in the workforce,mainly in offices, its still my favourite job.
gemmanotwithaj@reddit
Our bin men are lovely, very helpful and don’t mind the odd extra bit of rubbish every now and then. The hero’s of this country
croftfan@reddit
Your colleague sounds really narrow minded, id imagine its a hard job especially being out in all weathers, i work as a cleaner and have done sice my teens (16 years this year) and have experienced similar sorts of snobbery, a job is a job we've all got bills and things to pay
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Thanks for sharing. Indeed these odd bits of classism sprout up once in a while.
ReinforcedTube@reddit
My uncle is a binman, it's decent pay and pension since he's been working for the council for decades. In the winter he makes absolute bank in overtime by driving snow ploughs and gritters.
Silly-Industry1527@reddit
Probably says more about the colleague than bin collectors tbh.
Ill-Appointment6494@reddit
I used to work on the bins, 20 years ago. Absolutely loved it. Great exercise and home by 2pm.
joereadsstuff@reddit
It only matters if they’re living out of their means, but that goes for anyone, like someone is earning £200k, but living a £500k lifestyle.
RabbitZestyclose4957@reddit
Honestly it depends on the person, but it’s a vital job. Some people sadly judge status, not usefulness. I’d just say refuse collector and own it, nothing wrong with honest work at all.
Whodeytim@reddit
It wouldn't be for me because I am a massive coward with oversensitive senses but fair play to anyone that does it.
Jturnster89@reddit
No problem with bin collectors in the slightest! Tough dirty/physical job, but got to be done so power to them.
I wouldn't date your colleague 'cause she seems like a bitch.
Casual_Specialist@reddit
Refuse collectors are as intrinsic to a healthy functioning society as any doctor or emergency services. Look at what happens when they strike or collections get missed. Absolute societal breakdown. These people deserve massive respect.
HatOfFlavour@reddit
Out in the open air, doing a job that definitely serves society, job is energetic so they're likely fitter than average, they finish their days pretty early. Some days would be wet and cold or hot and stinky but there are worse jobs.
mosho84@reddit
I don't care if they're a bin collector. What's important is their character and values. I do find intelligence an attractive quality though and usually if he's intelligent he probably won't be a bin collector for long.
midgetman166@reddit
Intelligence is subjective though, they'll be able to tell you everything about waste disposal and recycling from start to finish and they'll have some great stories to boot. They might not be academically intelligent but they're the best at what they do and know it inside out and back to front.
mosho84@reddit
Yeah I wasn't criticising that or saying they're not intelligent. I'm saying that one would get bored of it at some point and look for other mental challenges.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
I think it’s a bit more challenging nowadays because of waste segregation
mosho84@reddit
I didn't say it wasn't challenging. I'm just saying that if someone enjoys intellectual stimulation they'd probably be bored at some point and look for some other challenge.
Jesisawesome@reddit
I'm pretty clever and I would love to be a bin collector.
mosho84@reddit
I'm sure but my point is that at some point you'd be looking for something more intellectually stimulating.
Fine_Analyst_4408@reddit
Plenty of intelligent people in jobs considered beneath their intellect. Burnout is quite common in gifted people and often a more structured and basic job is the only way they can get by.
Karazhan@reddit
I have mad respect for my town's bin men. Up early in the morning, lugging bins around, and whenever I see them they always have a smile and say hello. They work hard!
Your colleague is just a snob.
Ill_Initiative6962@reddit
As far as I was aware it was a pretty good job in terms of work/life balance. 🤷♂️
I don’t think the pay is bad either
AltruisticLow3580@reddit
The old saying when i was growing up was “You better get good grades at school or else you’ll be a dustman”. Well, fast forward away from the 90s and to now, those “dustmen” from that era are handsomely well off with excellent pensions and mortgage free. Waste management is an industry that well never die off and the perks are excellent.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
This makes sense that it’s a 90s mindset. My colleague is probably late thirties…
AltruisticLow3580@reddit
Correct and now looking back at it now it was a totally unnecessary jibe to make. An old school pals uncle was a dustman and now he’s retired mortgage free and lives in Spain on a handsome pension. I think overtime people have began to respect that line of profession as it’s a stable job with pretty good perks.
conradslater@reddit
My bin man is very nice and when I see him we often have a cheerful hello. My neighbour gives him a £20 Christmas tip each year. I wouldn't go that far myself.
Timely_Resist_2744@reddit
I probably wouldn't date a binman. Not because of looking down on the job (its a respectable job that is essential and unappreciated), but because of the hours of it. I am not a morning person, but bin collectors start and finish work super early, so I know it wouldn't work well with me.
SpectreSingh89@reddit
We just say Bin man. Since they work for council I believe their salary tends to be above minimum??? So here is me, an mc operator on minimum wages... OT to make up for it. Weekend with fam? Sacrificed 😭
Cocobean0875@reddit
Look at the state Birmingham got into when their bin men went on strike recently. We couldn't do without them. I wouldn't mind dating a bin man
Miserable-Ad7835@reddit
Birmingham was already a state before the bin men started playing games to be fair.
Shoddy_Pie6514@reddit
Your mom is a state.
Miserable-Ad7835@reddit
Your dad wasn't complaining...
RoutineCloud5993@reddit
Clearly you've never met my dad
Miserable-Ad7835@reddit
Mate, we've all seen that episode of Crimewatch...
JennyW93@reddit
Isn’t that strike still ongoing?
after-my-blanket@reddit
So they wouldn't date a guy who works 3 hours and gets paid for 6 seems short sighted to me
Tarrybelle@reddit
Bin collectors are awesome. They provide a service that we could not do without. I am always very appreciative of their work and everyone else should be to. I used to live in Africa and I have so many fond memories of the bin collectors singing as they went about their work.
Gloomy_Bonus_2215@reddit
If someone said they wouldn't date a bin man fuck them!
Grizzled_Wanderer@reddit
Hard physical work in a lot of cases, and absolutely vital to our society functioning.
Worthy of plenty of respect.
Careless_Squirrel728@reddit
It’s a job that can’t be replaced by AI and actually is pretty reasonably well paid - your colleague is a non
SpectreSingh89@reddit
Not nob maybe egoistical about job status. I know we shouldn't be judging but... Here we are!
WizardButtholes@reddit
I'll probably look into it as a job prospect when I move and yes I'd tell people if they asked, anyone who'd judge is a complete moron. I wouldn't be looking at it being my career as it doesn't pay amazingly well but as a normal low level job while I build foundations after moving to a new place it seems good.
ErrantBrit@reddit
As long as the pay is good I wouldn't care.
WrongExplanation1065@reddit
What if pay is low and they enjoy their job?
ErrantBrit@reddit
That's cool, works out less well when you wanna buy a house, have kids though.
DamnitGravity@reddit
My issue isn't with the bin guys, my issue is with the fact that household garbage is only collected once a fortnight, and we're not issued nice big wheelie bins we can put our garbage in.
It's no wonder this country has such an issue with fly tipping.
CountTruffula@reddit
More useful than the majority of office workers and 90% of middle or upper management
Shame that the productive jobs pay so much less
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
We work in the NHS… she’s a nurse
probablyaythrowaway@reddit
So in that case she really should understand 1. How important support jobs like waste collection is and how fucked we’d be without them and 2. What it’s like to have a thankless job where you work long hours and get fucked over by the government regularly.
Your friend sounds extremely shallow.
CountTruffula@reddit
Aha fp I was expecting something far less considerate based on that comment. Thanks for both of your work
Adm_Shelby2@reddit
Those boys are the salt of the earth. Always leave out a pack of lager for them at Christmas.
Usual-Journalist-292@reddit
My parents used to do this back when we had the same binmen every time. Now they swear that they never see the same group of guys twice, always new people.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
That’s good to know! I’ll do that
TelephoneOrnery1394@reddit
In the good old days they would have consumed it there and then
Lazy-Objective-1630@reddit
Your colleagues a snob then. We all have to earn a wage and working for the council is about as solid as a job gets these days.
Who does she think dates bin men then? Women beneath her? Oof.
Rich_Nothing_4746@reddit
It’s a needed, necessary job.
I quite frequently think it would be nice to have a job I don’t take home with me or keeps me up worrying when there’s a big problem to solve.
I do like my job mostly, it pays reasonably well and it can be very rewarding. In the grand scheme of things is it any more important than making sure bins are emptied? Arguably not, if one of my mates did it as a job I certainly wouldn’t look down on him.
uncle_monty@reddit
I've never heard anyone verbalise any negative opinions about jobs like that as an adult. Getting told you'll end up sweeping the streets if you don't try at school was the sort of thing we used to hear as kids, but that was years ago.
I'd think someone was an absolute prick if I heard them talking down about bin men.
ProfessionalGrade423@reddit
Have you seen the bin guys running their asses off like some kind of rubbish superheroes? I’ve got nothing but respect for that hustle. It’s a vital job, it takes a lot of physical work and I’d be perfectly happy if my kid brought home a partner with that job.
KeyJunket1175@reddit
I wish there were more of them, this bi-weekly and tri-weekly collection we have in this country is a nightmare.
At the same time, back in Hungary, bin collection is one of the community service / community jobs that unemployed get automatically. So it is stereotypically viewer as a bottom of the ladder kind of thing, and our most trending hip hop artists biggest hit is literally about how he started with nothing on a bin truck.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
I can see why it’s on the bottom rung… as it’s a job that handles literal garbage… some folks don’t want that even if it’s a paying job.
At the same time, it’s such a valuable role in society. And nowadays it’s more complex as it involves waste segregation.
Milam1996@reddit
I’d love to date a bin man. They’re up dead early so can wake me up for work and then they’re home early to get a wash done and hung out.
I’ve got nothing but respect for bin men. One of the foundational pillars of a civilised society is not rolling around in rubbish.
resident_queerdo@reddit
I really gotta read properly rather than skim. "I'd love to date a bin man. They're dead early" had me puzzled for a second.
Actually, I keep thinking I might want to be a bin woman. Not getting any younger though. 😢
Possible-Highway7898@reddit
Not to mention he can pick the kids up from school and get them fed and washed before you even get home from work. The trade off is you have to handle the mornings by yourself because he'll be working.
Milam1996@reddit
The only children I’ll ever have have 4 legs so there’s little to do in the morning
miss-minus@reddit
The bin collectors here complained that it was unsafe for them to climb stairs. So now we have to do do that for them, despite them being paid for it and having protective gear.
They said we'd only have to do it until they put a new system in place, but there's been no word for about 6 months so it seems the new system is just this. And this is a poor area full of elderly and vulnerable people, it'll end badly
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Oh… is this in England?
miss-minus@reddit
Yeah, the garbage situation is rough in England heh
Funky_Owl_Turnip@reddit
Thing is, the calculation will be that every household needs to do the stairs twice per bin day, and the chances of injury are slim. For the binmen, multiply that by however many bins/stairs are on the route and you're magnifying the risk.
I agree that your situation sounds bad, and that elderly and vulnerable people (for whom that risk is higher) can't be expected to drag bins up and downstairs, but it doesn't mean that risk should be passed on to the binmen either. I hope your local council/waste management co sorts this out for you.
miss-minus@reddit
Every single person trotting their out their manky bin bags that have been sitting there all week is not more efficient than people that already squeeze a ton of council tax out of us doing one round trip with their overalls and gloves. It's disgusting and I didn't sign up for garbage duty, they did.
Peg_leg_J@reddit
I remember it being viewed as a decent job when I was younger. And harder to get into than you might expect, also well paid.
mdmnl@reddit
My dad used to tell folk he was a bin man because it was easier and safer than saying he was a Police Constable.
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
That’s interesting!
badger906@reddit
I don’t judge anyone for their job. Jobs a job. Arguably the jobs people most look down or joke upon are the most important. People often joke about shelf stackers.. without them we would all find it hard to get food.. so you know.. very important.
Luckily not all people think like her!
RoohsMama@reddit (OP)
Yup. I have the greatest respect for cleaners. They keep everything nice and tidy and that’s not a small thing.
Woodsthedog@reddit
Married to one, he loves his job people aside. Outdoors, home early, not awful pay (could still be better). Only downside is he absolutely stinks when he does the bins rather than recycling or green, but thats his problem lol
maccon25@reddit
how easy is it to wash this smell out?
Woodsthedog@reddit
Easy enough! Shower deals with body smell easy. With clothes, either wash them straight away or put them in a bag to the end of the week to wash them all together so the smell doesnt leak everywhere
Bonzos_Bowler_Hat@reddit
Oh, my old man's a dustman He wears a dustman's hat He wears cor blimey trousers And he lives in a council flat He looks a proper narner In his great big hobnail boots He's got such a job to pull 'em up That he calls them daisy roots
Disgruntled__Goat@reddit
Now sing it to the tune of Whiter Shade of Pale.
DistrustPilot@reddit
My old man's a dustman, He wears a dustman's hat, He farted through the keyhole once, And paralyzed the cat.
RiceeeChrispies@reddit
I wouldn’t judge/discount someone based on the job they do (assuming it’s legal), that’s pretty shallow.
steffaann11@reddit
Your colleague is one stuck up eejit. Every job deserves the utmost respect, including bin men. Without them she would drown in her own trash or she’d have to be a binman for herself and take her own trash out. The only people who don’t deserve respect are those who are fit to work but willingly leech off benefits and have 1000 kids to cheat the system. Everyone else is making a living, no matter if they’re a bin man or a CEO. Your colleague is so narrow minded she can’t even see the reality that jobs like that are necessary in a society. Tell her to grow a pair!!
Dutch_Slim@reddit
They are essential workers doing a job a lot of people wouldn’t do.
One of my oldest friends is a bin collector, as was his dad.
No issues dating one at all.
Physical-Bear2156@reddit
It's an undeniably useful job that I'm glad gets done. I can also see it as an ideal job for someone who wants to be outdoors and isn't fond of offices.
TwoValuable@reddit
What a weird thing to come out and say. A jobs a job and our local bin men/refuse team are super hard working.
I've never sniffed a bin man but I should imagine any potential smell on them or their clothes can be washed away, as with just about every other job that's a bit smelly.
Nolsoth@reddit
I worked on one as a runner back in the 90s (in New Zealand) when I was about 18, bloody good job and was excellent pay at the time $18(£9) an hour.
We started at 5am and were done by midday.
Phat-Lines@reddit
We definitely have respect for them. They provide an essential service, doing an unpleasant job.
We always give them £80 to £100 at Christmas as a small thank you.
theevilamoebaOG@reddit
I genuinely think they're amazing. I have a crazy sense of smell and can barely empty our own bin.
Natsumi_Kokoro@reddit
Our bin men (and women) put presents on top of the bins at Christmas for kids on their rounds during lock down. Seeing this really cemented how I feel personally.
I teach my kids how important their job is and we wave to them when we see them.
They have my upmost respect 🫡
Bowtie327@reddit
They’re useful public workers who serve a key role in society in a not very glamorous, yet vital role.
Better than being a parking attendant or TV licensing goon
MelibuBerbie@reddit
The world needs parking attendants, TV licensing goons can definitely fuck off though.
LordDethBeard@reddit
I am not one, but I hold them in high esteem.
I am very grateful that they come round in all weathers to take my shite away.
SmugMiddleClarse@reddit
I'd date a bin man. Stable income, strong, back home at lunch to fix stuff, able to take stuff to the tip. My bin men are lovely and always take my bins even if I forget to put them out or if I'm away.
MimBondie@reddit
Not if you work in Birmingham
theNixher@reddit
Ugh I hate snobs, that's a shit person right there.
BungadinRidesAgain@reddit
People who look down on these jobs would do well to remember how bad it can get if no one did them.
Interesting_Fish309@reddit
Binman. My grandad was one. Retired to Thailand. Can't be that bad. He was tho he is bad. But the wage obviously wasn't
Available-Nose-5666@reddit
I don’t think anything of them in the sense that I don’t care, if that makes sense. They’re earning an honest salary, it can’t be an easy job, and they deserve credit.
SpudFire@reddit
A jobs a job. I'd look better upon somebody that does these less glamourous jobs than point blank refuses and sits on their arse all day.
I think how they are with little kids who idolise them whilst on their route shows that they're generally good people.
therealstealthydan@reddit
I see it is a good job. Reasonable pay, well looked after. To my understanding decent pension and conditions, and likely home by lunchtime. I’d take that over a call centre any day.
TheTritagonistTurian@reddit
Doesn’t pay very well, otherwise it would be a reasonably decent job as far as I’m concerned.
philipwhiuk@reddit
The job’s a load of garbage but I’m sure the people doing it are fine.
I couldn’t hack the early mornings personally
Jar770@reddit
My parents told me to do well at school or I'd end up a street sweeper.
Funky_Owl_Turnip@reddit
I'd rather date a binman than a banker, say.
Active_Definition_57@reddit
I think in the age of wheelchair bins, being a bin man probably has less of an image problem than being a dustman did back in the day.
Being a sewage worker would be smellier.
Gloomy_Custard_3914@reddit
Your coworker sucks. Bin collectors are vital, just look at what happened in Birmingham when they were on strike. An honest job is nothing to be ashamed of, especially a job that helps our society.
antiusernam@reddit
Binman is a job I wouldn't mind doing. Get up early, smash some collections, go home. Integral to societal function and incredible job security.
Sad_Cardiologist5388@reddit
I remember when there were waiting lists a mile long to go on the bins.
odkfn@reddit
Looking down on anyone because of their job is pretty weak - your profession doesn’t really say anything about you unless you’re a politician
Jayatthemoment@reddit
He can knock it off with the cor-blimey trousers, but yeah, why not? He might well be asking why he would date some woman who sits about filling in spreadsheets and yapping on Teams all day.
conspiracyfetard89@reddit
I think they're fine. But I did have one that screamed at me as he took my bin off with him. He said "I fucking told you", but I had never interacted with him before. I had to ask the council for a new bin.
Suzilaura@reddit
Job's a job.
spynie55@reddit
You can view them by checking the next collection day on your council web site and then getting up early and watching out your window.
To be serious, I think there is still a bit of a snobbery factor about them because it's a cliche of what people think of as a dirty, low skilled job. But as you say they are essential, and it's reasonably well paid and requires a good level of intelligence (just understanding what goes in which bin is bad enough and modern bin lorries are high tech pieces of kit), hard work and discipline compared to a lot of jobs so that snobbery really is out of date. If we move into a future where AI can do a lot of the desk jobs for us, we're really going to have to re-evaluate how we see jobs like this, and trades, and care workers, and give them a lot more respect, status and money.
NoNameNoNumba@reddit
I'd love to be a binman, it's a pretty simple job that starts early and finishes by lunchtime, there is always a few lads so people to have a laugh with whilst you work etc.
Scarred_fish@reddit
I've been office based for years now but still do occasional shifts on the bin lorries to cover. Love it, it's a great job.
Anyone who would rather date someone who "works" in an office instead of a binman is frankly a moron!
Fine_Analyst_4408@reddit
If I went on a date with someone and they said they were a bin collector, I'd be curious about their job and probably ask a bunch of weird questions. It wouldn't put me off at all, I don't see why it would. If they get stinky on the job, I assume they clean up afterwards like anyone else would in a job that can be stinky so it should have no negative effect on me.
MelibuBerbie@reddit
Snobbery. There’s no shame in doing an honest day’s work.
Historical-Rise-1156@reddit
The lads & lasses that do the job are very underrated and often overlooked as to how hard they work. From dragging bins to bags that split, but I have never seen anything other than a big smile on their faces even in the worst of weather. I give them a tip at Christmas not because it is a custom but because I truly value their job
BG3restart@reddit
Having a job is better than not having a job IMO. I admire people who do jobs I wouldn't want to do myself. I would definitely date a binman.
AcePlanespotting@reddit
Hard workers who do an important job.
Grandma-Try69@reddit
Ofcourse with postivity/respect.
they are essential workers, they make system run !
Intelligent-Tap717@reddit
Would she prefer to date someone who doesn't have a job and put the work in. Imho she's shallow and narrow minded. A job is a job and anyone grafting for a living is putting food on the table and a roof over their and their families heads. I bloody hate shallow all to have a certain image.
TelephoneOrnery1394@reddit
It’s used to be the stereotypical playground insult “your dad is a bin man”. A job is a job and if you have a decent route you can be finished by midday and have the rest of the day to yourself or to do other work.
AutoModerator@reddit
Please help keep AskUK welcoming!
When replying to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' you may receive a ban for violating this rule.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!
Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.