Career Field Overview
Whenever people have items they no longer use (whether those items are garbage, unused medications, sensitive documents that need to be shredded, electronic waste, or something someone else might want), they need to know what they can and should do with those materials. Properly disposing of such items promotes environmental quality around the world, which fosters health and well-being across the lifespan. Those who work in waste management and remediation educate members of every age group on what materials are recyclable; where various items can be donated, swapped, or repurposed; and how people can get help with hauling or transportation, if needed. Those with gerontology expertise will know that as people age they are more likely to have items to get rid of (when “rightsizing” or cleaning out an estate, for example). They are positioned to advocate practices (appropriate educational approaches, increased visibility and readability of recycling symbols, improved drop-off times and locations, collaborations with senior living communities, etc.) that meet the changing needs of the people they serve.