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Garbage Cleaner Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

GUARDIAN SERVICE INDUSTRIES

CLEANER - TEMPORARY

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Empty garbage receptacles and reline * Empty paper shredders * Spot clean interior glass to remove fingerprints and smudges * Maintain all equipment to be of a clean condition * Report all faults to ...

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How much do garbage cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage cleaner in New York is $16.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a garbage cleaner?

A Garbage Cleaner is responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste materials to maintain cleanliness and public hygiene. They work in residential, commercial, and public areas, ensuring waste bins are emptied and streets are kept clean. This job may involve operating garbage trucks, lifting heavy loads, and following safety guidelines. Garbage Cleaners play a crucial role in waste management and environmental health.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a garbage cleaner?

To thrive as a Garbage Cleaner, you need reliable physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of sanitation procedures, usually with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection equipment, safety gear, and local recycling or hazardous material guidelines is helpful, and some positions may require specific safety certifications. Strong teamwork, punctuality, and a responsible attitude are valuable soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and thorough waste removal, contributing to public cleanliness and health.

What are the typical working conditions and hours for a garbage cleaner?

Garbage Cleaners often work early morning shifts or late evenings to accommodate neighborhood and commercial pickup schedules, with work occurring in all types of weather and seasons. The role is physically demanding and primarily outdoors, requiring extended periods of walking, lifting, and handling various materials. Crews typically function as part of a team, coordinating efforts to ensure routes are completed safely and efficiently. Flexibility with hours and reliability are important, and overtime may be available during peak periods or for special clean-up projects.

Is it hard to become a garbage cleaner?

Becoming a garbage cleaner generally requires physical stamina, the ability to work outdoors or in waste facilities, and sometimes a valid driver's license for certain roles. Training is often provided on the job, and the job may involve safety certifications related to handling waste and operating equipment. Overall, it is accessible but physically demanding work that may require adherence to safety protocols.

What qualifications do you need to be a garbage cleaner?

Garbage cleaners typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must be physically fit to perform manual labor. Some positions may require training in safety procedures and the use of protective equipment; a valid driver's license may also be preferred for certain roles.

What are popular job titles related to Garbage Cleaner jobs in New York?

For Garbage Cleaner jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Garbage Cleaner jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage Cleaner jobs in New York are:

Garbage Cleaner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Cleaner job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,680 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Waste Services Garbage Truck Helper

Yonkers, NY • On-site

Interstate Waste Services
Environmental Consulting Services • 1 - 5K employees

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 91 rated recycling and waste

Learn more about Interstate Waste Servicesexternal

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Interstate Waste Services is hiring Garbage Truck-Collection Helpers

 

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut markets with a rail-served landfill in Ohio!  IWS is committed to delivering high-quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers and communities. We cater to a diverse range of industrial, medical and commercial/residential customers. 

Founded in 1998, IWS has grown over the years through acquisitions, many of which were family-owned businesses that remain a part of our team today. We’re proud to combine the resources of a large company with the values and care of a family-run business. 


The Collection Helper’s main responsibility is to collect (primarily by hand) and load refuse from customer locations into a heavy-duty sanitation vehicle. Unless designated by the company as a CDL Helper, Helpers are not permitted to operate a company vehicle at any time. The position reports to the Operations Manager onsite but is also subject to supervision by Route Supervisors and Dispatchers. 
 


Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Transfer refuse in a timely and safe manner from customer stops to vehicle.
  • Assist the driver while maneuvering into positions for collection and disposal
  • Maintain and partake in daily clean-up of vehicle
  • Learn garbage routes to better assist driver
  • Attend all required training, operational meetings, and mandatory monthly Safety Meetings

Work Environment

  • Helpers spend majority of daily routine both in the cab of the truck, on the back of the truck, or moving around the truck for trash collection
  • Helpers must be able to physically mount and dismount the truck throughout the duration of the work day
  • Helpers must be able to constantly lift, push, and pull waste bags and receptacles that weigh approximately 50-75+ lbs. as part of their daily routine. The bags usually have no wheels or handles for easier maneuverability, so the employee must have the physical strength to carry out the job duties.

Requirements

  • Applicants must meet physical standards as specified above
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Experience from the sanitation industry is strongly preferred
  • Position requires a team-player attitude as job is spent in close quarters with other staff members that all rely on one another

IWS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.


USD $20.00/Hr.
USD $20.00/Hr.

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