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Garbage Collection Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Garbage Collection information

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How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collection in Pittsburgh, PA is $15.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $14.23 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 Pittsburgh, PA?

For Garbage Collection jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Garbage Collection jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage Collection jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Garbage Collection jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Garbage Collection job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,770 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Custodian 4:30PM - 12:30AM

Carnegie, PA • On-site

Carlynton School District
201 - 500 employees

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Maintenance/Custodial/Custodian
Date Posted:
5/12/2026
Location:
Junior-Senior High School
Position: Custodian
Reports to: Director of Director of Maintenance and Facilities
Employment: Full Time
General Duties
  • Clean rooms as follows: Empty wastepaper baskets and pencil sharpeners; clean blackboards and erasers; wash desk tops; dust window sills, window frames and bookcases; replace burned out light bulbs; check windows and window blinds; sweep floor with dust mop or vacuum carpeting; turn off lights; set thermostat to night control if Univent is running; and lock doors.
  • Clean adjoining storerooms.
  • Clean cafeteria, auditorium and lobby, gymnasium and lobby, and all hallways adjoining main hallways. Empty dispensers daily, use wet mop if necessary.
    Dust fire stations, fire extinguisher, closets, window sills, ledges and ticket booths found along various points in hallways and lobbies. Polish door knobs and other metal fixtures.
  • Dust mop hallways and flights of stairs adjoining hallways. Dust and clean banisters and ledges on stairways. Dust mop both landings. Use wet mop if necessary. Clean and disinfect all drinking fountains.
  • Clean offices, reception rooms, faculty rooms, etc. according to (a) above.
  • Clean restrooms as follows: Sweep floor, flush commodes and urinals; clean commodes and urinals with bowl cleaner - use swab supplied; load toilet paper dispensers; check all dispensers and fill if needed; wipe commode seat and chrome; wash sinks with cleanser, wipe mirrors and check wall for writing (obscene), remove same; replace lights if necessary; empty wastepaper baskets and sanitary dispensers.
  • Clean boys' and girls' locker rooms and showers. Use same procedure as (g). Hose down locker rooms and showers twice a week using disinfectant, as provided.
  • Clean, dust mop and empty trash bag into proper container and dispose of all garbage and trash.
  • Return dirty rags and mops to designated area.
  • Report all damaged equipment in designated cleaning areas.
  • Responsible for raising and lowering the flag each day.
  • Responsible for snow and ice removal on walkways.
  • Vacuum pool and clean pool area.

Position Qualifications
Professional Competencies
  • Demonstrated proficiency in computer and technology skills related to data collection, record maintenance, communication, and office operations.
  • Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet established deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with administrators, staff, students, parents, substitutes, and community stakeholders.
  • Knowledge and effective use of communication methods and technology appropriate to assigned responsibilities.
  • Ability to identify concerns, analyze problems, and recommend appropriate solutions.
  • Ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment, and decision-making within established administrative guidelines.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding District operations, personnel, and student information.

Interpersonal Skills
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with students, parents, staff, administration, and community members.
  • Ability to listen, respond, and interact with others in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a team member, coordinator, or leader as assigned.
  • Demonstrated ability to promote a positive, cooperative, and service-oriented work environment.
  • Ability to manage responsibilities and challenges in a fair, consistent, and equitable manner.
  • Ability to work effectively in environments with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.

Position Expectations
Professional Responsibilities
  • Demonstrates professionalism, dependability, and accountability in all job responsibilities.
  • Adheres to District policies, procedures, and established chain of command.
  • Responds appropriately to supervision, direction, and feedback.
  • Demonstrates initiative and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Maintains appropriate professional appearance and conduct for the work environment.
  • Incorporates innovative and progressive practices when appropriate to support District goals.
  • Reports to work on time, maintains regular attendance, and uses work time efficiently and productively.

Organizational Skills
  • Organizes work responsibilities and office/classroom operations efficiently to accomplish assigned tasks.
  • Effectively plans, prioritizes, and manages multiple assignments, projects, and deadlines.
  • Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to changing work demands and priorities.

Technical Skills
  • Demonstrates the ability to learn and effectively use new and existing software, hardware, and instructional technologies.
  • Maintains working knowledge of standard office equipment and productivity tools.
  • Produces written communication that is clear, concise, grammatically correct, and professionally formatted.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office/G-Suite applications and related technology tools, including:
    • Word processing and document formatting
    • Spreadsheet development and basic formulas
    • Presentation software and digital communication tools
    • Desktop publishing and graphic design applications as applicable to the position

Physical Demands
  • Ability to traverse throughout school buildings and District facilities as needed.
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to lift, move, or transport materials and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate office equipment and computer technology.
  • Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger movements associated with keyboard and computer use.

Work Environment:
  • Generally, office/classroom setting.

Driver's License:
  • Must have a valid driver's license.

Clearances:
  • Every employee must submit an Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form as required under Pennsylvania Act 24 of 2011, Act 34 (Criminal Record Check), Act 151 (Child Abuse History Check), FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Criminal History Check, Act 126 (Part I) Recognizing Child Abuse and Mandated Reporter Training, and Act 126 (Part II) Professional Ethics & Educator Discipline Act.
  • As per Act 15 of 2015, all clearances must be renewed every five (5) years. Also, as of December 22, 2014, Act 168 of 2014 requires all newly hired employees to provide the District with the Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form for all former employers in which they had direct contact with children and any current employer/s. The District may not hire any applicant for a position until the employment history review process has been completed.

Terms of Employment:
  • Work year, salary and benefits defined as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Carlynton School District and the Custodial/Maintenance Collective Bargaining Agreement.