The Waste Management industry is essential for maintaining social hygiene and living infrastructure, yet it is one of the professions with a high turnover rate. The main factors are the harsh working environment characterized by the “3K” elements (Kitsui: Tough, Kitanai: Dirty, Kiken: Dangerous), the heavy physical labor starting early in the morning, and a wage level that does not match the specialized nature of the work. Particularly, the mental strain from hygiene issues and odors, combined with the social perception of the occupation, creates a structure that makes talent retention difficult.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the factors leading to the high turnover rate in this profession, examining them from four perspectives: working conditions, compensation/benefits, workload, and career development.
Turnover Rates in “Other Classified Services” Industries (Reference Data)
The overall turnover rate for the industry including waste management remains higher than the all-industry average.
| Category | Services, N.E.C. Turnover Rate | Average Turnover Rate Across All Industries |
| Annual Turnover Rate | 18.7% (2022) | 15.0% (2022) |
| Turnover Rate within 3 Years (New University Graduates) | 45.0% (March 2022 Graduates) | 33.8% (March 2022 Graduates) |
| Turnover Rate within 3 Years (New High School Graduates) | 52.2% (March 2022 Graduates) | 37.9% (March 2022 Graduates) |
1. The Issue of Working Hours (Early Morning Shifts and Punctuality Pressure)
Working starts early in the morning is mandatory to comply with urban traffic conditions and waste disposal rules, leading to a lifestyle that differs from the general public.
Early Morning Shift System:
- Irregular Life Rhythm: Work often begins in the early morning when traffic is light, leading to a life rhythm that significantly differs from the norm. This causes physical strain and difficulty balancing work with private life.
Pressure of Punctuality:
- Route Collection Pressure: Staff must collect waste along predetermined routes and on strict schedules, leading to intense time pressure.
- Long Hours During Peak Periods: Overtime and long working hours are common during periods when waste generation is concentrated, such as after year-end holidays or long breaks.
- Outdoor Work: Working outdoors is unavoidable, regardless of severe weather, extreme heat, or bitter cold.
2. The Issue of Compensation and Benefits (Wages and Evaluation Not Commensurate with “3K”)
Many feel that the wage level is low despite the harshness of the work, its specialized nature, and its critical social role.
Relatively Low Wage Levels:
- Mismatch with Heavy Labor/Harsh Environment: Many feel the salary level is low compared to the heavy physical labor of collection and transport and the severe sanitary environment, making this a major factor in turnover.
- Vagueness of Evaluation: Due to the nature of the work, results are not easily reflected as sales, making it difficult to evaluate individual effort and contribution, leading to decreased motivation.
Lack of Welfare Benefits:
- Since many companies are small, they often lack the comprehensive welfare benefits and allowances found in larger corporations, causing staff anxiety.
3. Workload and Mental Stress (Extreme “3K” Environment)
The strong presence of negative elements—”Dirty, Tough, Dangerous”—results in extremely high physical and mental stress.
Heavy Physical Labor:
- Collection and Transport Strain: The work requires repeatedly lifting and carrying heavy trash bins and bags, causing physical strain on the back and joints.
- Physical Exhaustion: Combining driving and manual handling tasks often leads to accumulated fatigue.
Harsh Sanitary Environment and Odor:
- Stress from Hygiene/Odor: The nature of the work involves frequent contact with foul odors and waste, causing significant mental discomfort and anxiety about hygiene.
- Risk of Infection: Waste may contain pathogens or sharp objects, posing risks of infection or injury.
Pressure from Social Perception:
- Occupational Prejudice: The job is often associated with negative social perceptions (“tough,” “dirty”), making it difficult to maintain pride and motivation in the work.
4. Issues with Career Development and Training Systems
The monotonous nature of the work, the difficulty of acquiring necessary knowledge, and the industry’s image hinder the retention of younger staff.
Unclear Career Path:
- Since the work is often standardized, the path for career advancement from field worker to manager or specialized roles is often unclear.
- Many staff choose to transition to other industries because they feel they cannot envision their growth or future prospects.
Difficulty Acquiring Specialized Knowledge:
- Legal regulations and specialized knowledge regarding industrial waste and recycling are complex, but systematic training for these areas is often insufficient.
- Personalization of Instruction: On-the-Job Training (OJT) tends to be the focus, relying on the individual experience of senior staff for instruction and safety education, leading to variability in quality.
The Structure of the Vicious Cycle
The Waste Management industry exhibits a pronounced vicious cycle: “Low wages and physical/mental exhaustion from the ‘3K’ environment → High turnover leads to staff shortages → The workload per remaining staff member drastically increases → Working conditions deteriorate, causing more people to quit.” Despite being an indispensable service to society, the severity of the working environment and the mismatch in compensation are the biggest factors accelerating turnover.
