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Garbage Collection Helper information

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How much do garbage collection helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collection helper in the United States is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a garbage collection helper?

Garbage Collection Helpers, also known as sanitation workers or refuse collectors, are responsible for collecting and disposing of waste and recyclables from residential, commercial, and public areas. They work alongside drivers on garbage trucks, loading trash and recycling bins, and ensuring that waste is properly sorted and transported to designated facilities. This job is physically demanding and typically requires early morning shifts, teamwork, and adherence to safety protocols to protect both workers and the environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a garbage collection helper?

To thrive as a Garbage Collection Helper, you need physical stamina, reliability, attention to safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with garbage trucks, basic lifting equipment, and safety protocols is important, though formal certifications are rarely required. Strong teamwork, communication, and a diligent work ethic help you excel in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for maintaining efficiency, safety, and cleanliness in community waste management operations.

What challenges do garbage collection helpers face, and how can they be managed?

Garbage Collection Helpers often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy or hazardous materials, and maintaining a fast-paced schedule. Effective communication with team members and proper use of personal protective equipment are essential for safety and efficiency. Staying organized and physically fit helps manage the demands of lifting and repetitive tasks, while adhering to safety protocols minimizes risks and ensures smooth teamwork.

What is the difference between Garbage Collection Helper vs Waste Management Laborer?

AspectGarbage Collection HelperWaste Management Laborer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, physically demanding, working near traffic and wasteOutdoor, physically demanding, working in waste collection and disposal sites
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal waste collection services, private waste companiesMunicipal waste departments, private waste management firms

Both roles involve physically demanding outdoor work in waste collection. The Waste Management Laborer may have broader responsibilities, including operating equipment, but both require safety awareness and similar credentials. The main difference lies in job scope and employer terminology, with Waste Management Laborer often encompassing a wider range of waste-related tasks.

What cities are hiring for Garbage Collection Helper jobs?

Cities with the most Garbage Collection Helper job openings:

What states have the most Garbage Collection Helper jobs?

States with the most job openings for Garbage Collection Helper jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Garbage Collection Helper jobs?

For Garbage Collection Helper jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Garbage Collection Helper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,494 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Waste Services Garbage Truck Helper

Plainfield, NJ • On-site

Interstate Waste Services
Environmental Consulting Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Interstate Waste Servicesexternal

$21.30/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Interstate Waste Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 92 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Garbage Truck-Collection Helpers

Interstate Waste Services is hiring Garbage Truck-Collection Helpers

Plainfield, NJ

$21.30/hour

Important: In order to be considered for employment, you will need to include a resume/list of work history with employment dates.

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Highlights

  • Monday - Friday (Saturdays as needed)
  • Early start time
  • Year round-steady work
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and more
  • Paid time off!

About You:

  • You take pride in the work you do & the company you work for!
  • Your work history shows steady employment!
  • You like very physical work that helps you stay healthy!
  • You have a history of showing up and being on-time for work every day!

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the country! We primarily service Northern New Jersey, Southern New York State, New York City, and recently expanded our operations of transfer stations into Pennsylvania and Ohio, where we also own and operate a state-of-the-art rail-served landfill. We cater to a diverse range of residential, industrial, and commercial customers. Our mission has always been to provide our customers with the highest quality waste, recycling, and environmental services, while keeping focus on employee, customer, and environmental safety.

Essential Job Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.

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 and Qualifications:

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
  • Other duties as assigned.
Additional Information

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.

Salary Range Minimum

USD $21.30/Hr.

Salary Range Maximum

USD $21.30/Hr.

What Interstate Waste Services employees say

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