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Garbage Collection Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

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Garbage Collection information

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$5

$16

$29

How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collection in New Jersey is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $14.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a garbage collector?

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 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.

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 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.

How do you become a garbage collector?

To become a garbage collector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and the ability to operate collection trucks. Some positions may require physical stamina and knowledge of safety procedures; on-the-job training is common. Certification is not usually required but can improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Garbage Collection jobs in New Jersey?

For Garbage Collection jobs in New Jersey, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Garbage Collection jobs in New Jersey look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage Collection jobs in New Jersey are:

What cities in New Jersey are hiring for Garbage Collection jobs?

Cities in New Jersey with the most Garbage Collection job openings:

Garbage Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,445 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Rear Load Garbage Truck Driver

Tyler Truck Repair Inc

South Plainfield, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Residential and commercial trash collection in a rear load garbage truck.