Waste material collectors category was officially recognized in 2002 by CBO (Community Based Organization) – Brazil, as a specific occupational category nr. 5192, when the standards/classifications containing data on different occupations in Brazil, based on International Standard of Jobs (Professions) Classification were adopted, too.

Regardless if they are working individually or organized in associations and communities, and if they are officially employed, waste collectors are described as the ones “collecting, separating and selling recyclable materials as paper, cardboard of glass, as well as metals and non-metals and other materials that can be used again. Their work is performed outside, all day and all night. Workers are exposed to climate changes and risk of accidents during handling of materials, as well as to traffic accidents and, in many cases, street violence.”

In Serbia, during seminars organized by Employment Service, waste collectors representatives described processes of their work by using characteristics of jobs similar to theirs described by CBO. Eight large groups of activities were identified, including additional (eight to fifteen) more specific tasks, as: collecting reusable materials for recycling, materials selling, collected materials separation, preparation for transport, protection and maintenance of environment and work equipment, recycling promotion, job administration, occupational protection.