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Garbage Collection Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Worker

West Bend, WI

$15.25 - $18.50/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 ...

New

Food Service Worker

West Bend, WI · 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

West Bend, WI · 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 ...

New

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

West Bend, WI · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/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 Milwaukee, WI salary details

$5

$16

$28

How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collection in Milwaukee, WI is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 require passing a physical exam and background check, and on-the-job training is usually provided. Experience with driving and physical labor is beneficial for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Garbage Collection jobs in Milwaukee, WI? For Garbage Collection jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Collection jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Collection jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Garbage Collection jobs? Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Garbage Collection job openings:
Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,077 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Parks and Forestry Seasonal Laborer

City of Waukesha

Waukesha, WI • On-site

$16.05 - $21.05/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


City Of Waukesha rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

SEASONAL LABORER
Waukesha Parks, Recreation& Forestry


Hourly rate: Range $16.05 - $21.05; 2nd shift $1/hour premium

Seasonal: Varied April through September, weekdays and/or weekends, 1st and/or 2nd shifts

We are flexible to fit your schedule: shifts can vary from 4 to 8 hours, 1 to 6 days a week.

Parks Maintenance -

  • Performs all aspects of grounds maintenance including turf and plant material installation and maintenance, maintenance of athletic fields, set up and maintenance of playground equipment, custodial duties, and rubbish collection.
  • Use hand and power tools, operate power mowers, string trimmers, gas hedge shears, tractors, trucks and other green industry related equipment.
  • Assist with special events set up and clean up.

Buildings Maintenance -

  • Performs buildings maintenance duties in the City's buildings, parks or other properties to include but not limited to janitorial duties, painting, and general building maintenance.
  • Maintenance and thorough cleaning of restrooms, park shelters and other facilities.
  • Opening and closing of park shelter restrooms.
  • Painting signs and interiors and exteriors of buildings.
  • Assist with special events set up and clean up.

Forestry Maintenance -

  • Assist the Arborists in in all aspects of urban forestry work including: tree planting, pruning, removals, chipping brush, diagnostics and treatment.

Applicants MUST complete a City of Waukesha seasonal application. Application form available at https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/government/departments/jobs.php or at the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department.

Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.

  • Must be 18 years of age or older and able to lift up to 50 pounds.

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent or set to graduate if still in high school.

  • Must be able to complete work assignments by working independently or without direct supervision.

  • Must demonstrate proper public relations skills.

  • Must possess a valid driver's license and good driving record. Potential for limited year-round employment.

The City of Waukesha is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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