ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Garbage Collection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Axius Inc

Sr.Java Hadoop Developer

New York, NY · On-site

Company Description Deep understanding and experience with multi-threading, concurrency, garbage collection and JVM internals. Strong in Java performance tuning, debugging & Profiling Tools. Strong ...

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Driver

Rockledge, FL · On-site

The Waste Pro Residential Driver operates refuse collection vehicles on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. Oversees work of helpers assisting on assigned ...

Kerzner International

Sanitation Engineer

Big Sky, MT · On-site

$50/hr

Transport all garbage to defined collection areas or process with the trash compactor accordingly * Work in close coordination with the Stewarding team to ensure fulfillment of property needs

GainAm

Core Java Developer Consultant job

Hicksville, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Core Java/Linux, UDB, Sybase, Oracle w/ very strong knowledge of OO concepts and troubleshooting (Optimization, Indexing, Memory Management, Garbage Collection, etc, etc) C and C++ experience a plus

PMC

2026 Season! Big Sur Camp Host Team

CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Maintain bathroom cleanliness and properly stock with essential toiletries * Rubbish Collection and Consolidation * Basic grounds keeping including vegetation removal * Daily financial reporting.

Curbtender, Inc.

Painter: Mobile Equipment

Gothenburg, NE · On-site

$23.35 - $27.63/hr

Painter: Curbtender manufactures garbage collection trucks. Painters are responsible for preparing the collection bodies for paint, applying a wet base coat and topcoat, and repairing any ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsGarbage Collection Jobs

Garbage Collection information

See salary details

$5

$16

$29

How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collection in the United States is $16.31, 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.

How to get a job as a garbage collector?

To become a garbage collector, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a physical exam due to the demanding nature of the work. Many positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to operate collection trucks, with some areas offering on-the-job training. Certification or licensing may be required depending on local regulations.

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 hard is it to be a garbage collector?

Being a garbage collector involves physically demanding work, often outdoors in various weather conditions, and requires lifting heavy objects and operating collection trucks. The job typically requires physical fitness, attention to safety protocols, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL). It can be challenging but is generally considered manageable with proper training and experience.

What are garbage collectors and what do they do?

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 qualifications do you need to be a garbage collector?

Garbage collectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must be physically fit to handle lifting and operating equipment. Some positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions; certifications for operating specialized trucks may also be beneficial.

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.

Is garbage collecting a good job?

Garbage collection is a physically demanding job that involves operating trucks, handling waste, and working outdoors, often with early or irregular hours. It provides steady employment and benefits in many areas, but may involve health risks and limited advancement opportunities. Job satisfaction depends on individual preferences for manual labor and working conditions.
More about Garbage Collection jobs
What cities are hiring for Garbage Collection jobs? Cities with the most Garbage Collection job openings:
What states have the most Garbage Collection jobs? States with the most job openings for Garbage Collection jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Collection jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Collection jobs are:
Garbage Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,928 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Sanitation Worker (Grade 7/7) (Continuous)

Sanitation Worker (Grade 7/7) (Continuous)

City of Huntsville

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$35K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

City Of Huntsville (Alabama) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

439th of 668 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

What City Of Huntsville (Alabama) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply