What is the primary responsibility of a sanitation worker?

The primary responsibility of a sanitation worker is to collect, transport, and dispose of waste and recyclables safely and efficiently. This encompasses a vital public health role, as proper waste management helps to prevent disease, promote sanitary conditions, and protect the environment. By ensuring that waste is handled correctly, sanitation workers play an essential part in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of communities. They are trained to follow specific protocols for handling various types of waste, including hazardous materials, ensuring that everything is disposed of in a manner that minimizes risk to public health and the environment.

While cleaning public spaces, educating the public about waste management, and managing waste treatment facilities are important related tasks, they are typically considered secondary functions or roles associated with broader waste management goals, rather than the primary duty of a sanitation worker.