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Garbage Collection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior/Principal Engineer - OpenSearch

Fremont, CA · On-site

$137K - $190K/yr

... garbage collection strategy optimization, comprehensive JVM memory oversight, and effective tuning of shard and replica allocation. • Strong proficiency in Python and good understanding of JVM ...

Food Service Worker

Fresno, CA · On-site

$18.25/hr

Keep up with garbage collection and keep kitchen floors clean from excess food/trash. * This role includes physical demands such as lifting, bending, pushing, kneeling, walking, and standing for ...

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Garbage Collection information

See California salary details

$5

$16

$28

How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collection in California is $16.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $14.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job as a garbage collector?

To become a garbage collector, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a physical exam due to the demanding nature of the work. Many positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to operate collection trucks, with some areas offering on-the-job training. Employment opportunities are often posted by local government or waste management companies, and a clean driving record can be beneficial.

What is the difference between Garbage Collection vs Waste Management Worker?

AspectGarbage CollectionWaste Management Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CDL license often preferredHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentUrban and suburban streets, residential and commercial areasLandfills, recycling centers, waste processing facilities
Industry UsagePublic sanitation services, municipal governmentPrivate waste disposal companies, public agencies

Garbage Collection primarily involves collecting waste from residential and commercial areas using specialized trucks, often requiring a commercial driver's license. Waste Management Worker encompasses a broader role, including handling waste at landfills, recycling centers, and processing facilities. While both roles focus on waste disposal, Garbage Collection is more about curbside pickup, whereas Waste Management Worker involves the entire waste processing cycle.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs in high-level management, specialized consulting, or certain medical and legal professions can pay around $2,000 per day. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience, and may involve long hours or high responsibility levels.

What are garbage collectors and what do they do?

Garbage collectors, also known as sanitation workers or waste collectors, are responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of residential and commercial waste and recyclables. They operate garbage trucks, pick up trash and recycling bins, and ensure that waste is properly sorted and delivered to landfills, recycling centers, or other disposal facilities. This job plays a crucial role in keeping communities clean, preventing the spread of disease, and supporting environmental health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Garbage Collector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garbage Collector, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste management vehicles, hydraulic lift systems, and sometimes a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are typical technical requirements. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills are crucial to efficiently and safely maintaining public health and cleanliness in communities.

What are some common challenges faced by garbage collectors, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Garbage collectors often face challenges such as physically demanding work, exposure to varying weather conditions, and strict time schedules. New employees can prepare by maintaining good physical fitness, wearing appropriate protective gear, and familiarizing themselves with safety procedures. It’s also helpful to develop strong teamwork skills since the job typically requires close collaboration with a partner or crew to efficiently and safely complete routes.

Is garbage collecting a good job?

Garbage collection is a physically demanding job that involves collecting and disposing of waste, often outdoors and in various weather conditions. It can offer stable employment with benefits, but may require safety training and physical fitness. Job satisfaction varies based on individual preferences and work environment.
What are popular job titles related to Garbage Collection jobs in California? For Garbage Collection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Collection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Collection jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Garbage Collection jobs? Cities in California with the most Garbage Collection job openings:
Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in California as of June 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 $33,483 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Food Nutrition Worker at White County Middle School (26/27 School Year)

White County Schools

Stockton, CA • On-site

$14.71/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

This position is a 6.5-hour-per-day position, M-F. 7:30 am to 2 pmPrimary Purpose:

Work under moderate supervision to prepare and serve appropriate quantities of food to meet menu requirements. Maintain high standards of quality in food production, sanitation, and safety practices.

Qualifications:

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to understand written and verbal food preparation and safety instructions

Working knowledge of kitchen equipment and food production procedures

Ability to operate large and small kitchen equipment and tools

Ability to perform basic math

Major Responsibilities and Duties:Food Preparation and Serving
  1. Prepare quality food according to a planned menu of tested and uniform recipes.
  2. Serve food according to meal schedules, board policies and administrative procedures, and practice and promote portion control and proper use of leftovers.
  3. Store and handle food items and supplies safely and according to established procedures. Maintain a clean and organized storage area.
Safety and Sanitation
  1. Operate tools and equipment according to prescribed safety standards and follow established procedures to meet high standards of cleanliness, health, and safety.
  2. Keep garbage collection containers and areas neat and sanitary.
  3. Correct unsafe conditions in work area and promptly report any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor.
  4. Maintain personal appearance and hygiene.
Other
  1. Handle and record cashier functions accurately.
  2. Help record food requisitions and order necessary supplies.
  3. Maintain daily food preparation records.
  4. Promote teamwork and interaction with fellow staff members.
  5. Complete annual continuing education requirements.
  6. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard large and small kitchen equipment and tools, including electric slicer, mixer, pressure steamer, deep-fat fryer, sharp cutting tools, stove, oven, dishwasher, and food/utility cart

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stoop, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Continual walking; frequent climbing (ladder), grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, reaching/overhead reaching

Lifting: Frequent moderate lifting and carrying (15?44 pounds)

Environment: Work inside in commercial kitchen environment; exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, extreme humidity, noise, vibration, microwaves, biological hazards (bacteria, mold, fungi), chemical hazards (fumes, vapors, gases), electrical hazards; work with hands in water; work around machinery with moving parts; work on slippery surfaces

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress