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Garbage Collection Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Garbage Collection information

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$5

$15

$28

How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collection in Raleigh, NC is $15.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 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 Raleigh, NC?

For Garbage Collection jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Garbage Collection jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage Collection jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Garbage Collection jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Garbage Collection job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,955 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Solid Waste Equipment Operator I

Carrboro, NC • On-site

Town of Carrboro, NC
51 - 200 employees

$42K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary : $42,120.00 - $51,386.00 Annually
Location : Century Center
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Public Works
Division: Solid Waste
Opening Date: 11/25/2025
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Pay Grade Salary Range: $42,120 to $51,386
General Definition and Conditions of Work
Performs intermediate semiskilled work operating sanitation and related equipment in the collection and transportation of residential solid waste; does related work as required. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Solid Waste Supervisor.
Physical Requirements
This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires stooping, crouching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for depth perception, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, and determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils. The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.
Essential Functions
  • Operates solid waste collection trucks and related equipment.
  • Operates residential solid waste collection truck picking up household refuse, yard waste, and other materials as directed;
  • Operates boom truck picking up limbs, brush and appliances;
  • Operates commercial solid waste collection truck on interim or training basis;
  • Transports trash and garbage to disposal site;
  • Operates hydraulic mechanisms for compressing and dumping refuse;
  • Performs minor maintenance duties on equipment such as changing oil and tires and greasing;
  • Cleans refuse truck and equipment;
  • Picks up dead animals as directed;
  • Collects yard waste such as limbs and vines;
  • Emergency call backs; storm prep and clean up;
  • Assists with snow and ice removal; cleans catch basins; picks up litter;
  • Clears and trims trees; mows grass;
  • Operates dump truck, roller, box blade, tractors, sweeper, backhoe;
  • Performs related tasks as required.

Education and Experience
  • Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.
  • Experience in the operation of automotive equipment.
  • Possession of a NC CDL Class B License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - General knowledge of the operation and servicing of automotive equipment; thorough knowledge of traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation; thorough knowledge of safe driving practices and occupational hazards of the work; skill in the operation of automotive equipment; ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions; ability to detect signs of the mechanical failure of the automotive and packing equipment; ability to read and write; good physical condition; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
Disclaimer
CARRBORO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Town of Carrboro considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their skills, dedication and service, to the excellence of our organization.
The Town of Carrboro offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to all permanent employees.
View a summary of our benefits !
Health Insurance
The Town provides a group medical insurance including family coverage through our medical provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. The Town pays 100% for the cost of employee-only coverage and shares the costs of adding family members (including domestic partners) to the town plan. Health insurance is effective the first day of the month following a new hire's start date.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is an optional benefit administered through our dental provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Dental coverage is paid for by the employee. Coverage for eligible dependents is also available.
Vision Insurance
Vision insurance is a benefit offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. The Town pays 100% for the cost of employee-only coverage. The Town shared the costs of adding eligible family members to the plan.
Flexible Spending Account
An optional benefit offered through our provider, Flex. Eligible health and dependent care expenses can be paid for with pre-tax dollars allocated onto a Visa card.
Paid Time Off
  • Annual Leave: Permanent full-time employees earn between 12 and 26 days per year depending upon years of service. Permanent part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked.
  • Sick Leave: Permanent full-time employees accrue at a rate of one day per month of service or twelve days per calendar year. Shift employees of the Fire-Rescue Department earn sick leave at the rate of five, twenty-four-hour tour-of-duty days per calendar year. Permanent part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked.
  • Paid-Time Off: Permanent full-time employees receive three (3) days (36 hours for Fire-Rescue personnel) per calendar year of time to be used as needed. Time is pro-rated to employee's start date. Permanent part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked.
  • Paid Caregiver Leave: Qualifying employees receive 240 hours of Paid Caregiver Leave to care for an immediate family member including birth or placement of a child in the home for adoption or foster care. This leave does not come from employee's leave bank.
  • Paid Holidays: There are 13 official Town holidays. Employees in full or permanent part-time positions are eligible for paid holiday time.

Local Government Retirement System
All employees in a permanent full or part-time position are required to contribute to the NC local government retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%.
Supplemental Retirement Plan
The Town makes a contribution of 5% for law enforcement officers and 3% for all other employees to town sponsored 401(k) administered through Empower. No employee match is required; however, employees have the option of making contributions on a pre- or post-tax basis. Employees also have the option of contributing to an NC 457 retirement plan.
Disability and Life Insurance
  • Town Paid: The Town covers both long term disability and life/AD&D insurance for permanent employees.
  • Employee Paid: Employees have the option of enrolling in accident, critical illness, short-term disability, and purchasing supplemental life and dependent life insurance at their own expense.

Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their dependents are eligible to receive free and confidential 24/7 counseling through the Town's Employee Assistance Program.
Additional Benefits
  • Annual Service Level Benefit payment based on years of service beginning year zero (0) of permanent full-time employment. Paid in December each year.
  • O2 Fitness membership paid for by the Town for permanent employees and dependents.
  • Credit Union: Employees of the Town of Carrboro are eligible to open accounts at the Local Government Federal Credit Union.
  • Tuition assistance is available upon completion of the initial probationary period.
  • Bilingual/ Multilingual Compensation Program: $1250 annual stipend for certified bilingual/multilingual employees who provide translation and interpretation services for the Town once they successfully complete proficiency certification.

01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.
  • Yes, I understand and agree
  • No, I do not agree

03
Do you currently possess a valid CDL?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question