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Garbage Collection Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Applying design and architecture concepts including JVM memory management and garbage collection; * Optimizing Oracle database queries. We offer a competitive total rewards package including base ...

Expert-level technical knowledge in Core Java, including a deep understanding of JVM internals, concurrency, garbage collection, and memory management in a low-latency context. Proven experience ...

Site Reliability Engineer

Camden, NJ · On-site

$57.50 - $76.50/hr

Experience supporting and debugging Java applications in production - reading stack traces and thread dumps, working with JVM memory and garbage-collection behavior, and diagnosing service issues ...

Maintain garbage collection site and kitchen floor areas in a neat and sanitary fashion * Perform other duties as assigned including other areas in the kitchen * This role may have physical demands ...

Showing results 21-40

Garbage Collection information

See New Jersey salary details

$5

$16

$29

How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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:

Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,445 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Waste Services Garbage Truck Helper

Interstate Waste Services

Bernardsville, NJ • On-site

$18.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 21 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

Overview
Interstate Waste Services is hiring Garbage Truck-Collection Helpers
Bernardsville, NJ
$18.90hr
  • If your goal is to become a commercial driver - work with us in the Helper Role for a year and you could be placed in our Helper to CDL Driver training program!

Highlights:
  • Monday - Friday
  • $18.90/hour
  • Early start time - 5:00am - 3:30pm
  • 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 $18.90/Hr.
Salary Range Maximum
USD $18.90/Hr.

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