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Garbage Collection Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

Waste Connections

CDL Driver

Marengo, IL · On-site

$30/hr

We are Waste Connections, an integrated services company that provides solid waste collection ... Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ...

All JobsGarbage Collection JobsGarbage Collection Jobs in Rockford, IL

Garbage Collection information

See Rockford, IL salary details

$5

$16

$29

How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collection in Rockford, IL is $16.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $14.66 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 job categories do people searching Garbage Collection jobs in Rockford, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Collection jobs in Rockford, IL are:
What cities near Rockford, IL are hiring for Garbage Collection jobs? Cities near Rockford, IL with the most Garbage Collection job openings:
Garbage Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in Rockford, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,956 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Food Service Worker

Trinity Services Group

Woodstock, IL • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Wage Rate
$21.00/hour
Overview
Are you looking for a career with premium benefits and the potential for growth? At Trinity Services Group, we have created something special, a better place to work and grow. Many employees start just expecting a paycheck but end up with a rewarding career. We provide exceptional training and a clear career path.
We also offer a $250 bonus for completing our Rookie's Fast Track Program within the first 60 days!
We now also offer DailyPay providing you immediate access to earned wages. Work Today, Get Paid Today!
We are proud to be a military and veteran friendly employer.
About This Position
*Must be available to work some weekends and holidays*
$1000 bonus
Monday, Tuesday: Off
Wed, Thurs,Friday, Sat: 10am - 6pm
Sunday: 6am - 2pm
The Food Service Worker is responsible for the supervision of inmate labor as well as team members assisting with the food service operation in a correctional facility. This position will also accurately and efficiently prepare and serve a variety of food items in accordance with assigned work instructions and menus as well as utilize a variety of food preparation utensils and machines in preparing food.
Our ideal Food Service Worker excels at the following:
  • Passionate about food and service
  • Has a solid understanding of food handling regulations
  • Desire to always learn more
  • Ability to work as a team member, as well as independently
  • Ability to multi-task and adapt to changes quickly
  • Dependable and flexible

Essential Functions/Core Responsibilities
  • Supervise inmate labor and/or team members in the kitchen during food prep and food service shifts in the kitchen.
  • Prepare, assist, or instructs inmate labor and/or team members in the preparation of quality foods according to the planned menu, recipes, and work instructions in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that all food is stored properly and in sanitary manner.
  • Serve food during planned meal schedules and according to department policies and procedures.
  • Utilize kitchen utensils/equipment to cook, prepare and serve food according to recipes. Use proper utensils to serve menued portions and as appropriate to meet clients' nutritional needs.
  • Follow all food safety regulations pertaining to sanitation, food handling and storage.
  • Train other food service workers.
  • Maintain a clean work area/environment that includes cleaning of refrigerators and/or freezers, cooking equipment and serving equipment.
  • Follow facility uniform policy.
  • Keep up with garbage collection and keep kitchen floors clean from excess food/trash.
  • Ensure kitchen is kept clean and that the environment is ready for food prep/serving including sweeping, mopping and dishwashing.
  • Proper portions and utensils are being reviewed for service.
  • Promote a healthy and safe work environment for other employees/inmates.
  • This role includes physical demands such as lifting, bending, pushing, kneeling, walking, and standing for extended periods of time.
  • Be able to stand and be on your feet for much of the scheduled shift.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

What You'll Need
  • Required:
    • High School Diploma or GED and/or equivalent experience. Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Preferred:
    • Prior institutional food service or restaurant experience is preferred.

Benefits
Trinity Services Group (TSG) offers comprehensive benefits to all regular-full time employees:
  • Medical w/prescription coverage
    • Benefit Credit received when enrolled in a TKC medical plan, to help offset your benefit costs. Benefit Credit of $750 annually, will be divided evenly among your paychecks throughout the Plan Year.
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic Life and Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Voluntary benefits (i.e. short term, long term disability and many more) options may be selected to create the right package for you

TSG also understands the importance of work life balance and planning for the future. To help with both of these, employees are eligible for:
  • Paid Time Off
  • Company Match for the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • We now also offer DailyPay providing you immediate access to earned wages.

EEO Statement
Equal Employment Employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
We maintain a drug-free workplace.
A copy of our Privacy Policy and CA Employee Privacy Notice can be found here: https://tkcholdings.com/privacy-policy-108

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