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Garbage Collection Jobs in Madison, AL (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Worker - Alabama A&M Univ.

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

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 ...

Food Service Worker

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

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 ...

Food Service Worker

Huntsville, AL

$13 - $15.75/hr

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 ...

Food Service Worker - Alabama A&M Univ.

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

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 ...

Food Service Worker

Madison, AL

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

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 ...

Food Service Worker - Alabama A&M Univ.

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

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 ...

Food Service Worker

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

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 ...

Food Service Worker

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

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 ...

Food Service Worker - Alabama A&M Univ.

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

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 ...

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Garbage Collection information

See Madison, AL salary details

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How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collection in Madison, AL is $14.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.39 and $13.12 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 cities near Madison, AL are hiring for Garbage Collection jobs?

Cities near Madison, AL with the most Garbage Collection job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in Madison, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, and 46% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,398 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Sanitation Worker (Grade 7/7) (Continuous)

City of Huntsville

Huntsville, AL

$35K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


City Of Huntsville (Alabama) rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

621st of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Nature of Work THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE'S SANITATION DEPARTMENT WANTS YOU. The City of Huntsville's Sanitation department is seeking qualified applicants to fill our Sanitation Worker position(s). Exciting Career Opportunities for Smart and Talented People.

Come join our growing Sanitation Team. Apply today. About our Department: The Sanitation Division is charged with the responsibility of providing garbage collection to residential and commercial solid waste customers.

It is also responsible for the collection of trash and yard waste as well as bulky waste for Huntsville's residential solid waste customers. Sanitation Worker Position Overview: This is manual work in the collection of residential garbage, trash, and other solid waste, in containers, bags and cans. Work requires frequent heavy lifting and occasional exposure to bad weather conditions.

Work is performed as a member of a team assigned to a truck and under the general supervision of the crew leader. Qualifications and Necessary Special Requirements: Experience in heavy manual work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following: Some knowledge of the methods of refuse and trash collection. For More Information Regarding the Sanitation Job Duties, Please Visit the Websites Below: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/huntsville/classspecs/81799 Minimum Education, Training and Experience Applicants May Obtain a Copy of the City of Huntsville's EEOP Short Form Upon Request


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