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Garbage Collection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Kohler Co.

Overnight Custodian, Sports Core

Kohler, WI · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Garbage collection in the interior and exterior of the building * Cleaning of selected resort F&B outlets This is a part-time opportunity working primarily between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am ...

Kohler Co.

Overnight Custodian, Sports Core

Kohler, WI · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Garbage collection in the interior and exterior of the building * Cleaning of selected resort F&B outlets This is a part-time opportunity working primarily between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am ...

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How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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.

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.
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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 are popular job titles for Garbage Collection?

Popular job titles for Garbage Collection:

Garbage Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,928 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Waste Services Garbage Truck Helper

Yonkers, NY • On-site

Interstate Waste Services
Environmental Consulting Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Interstate Waste Servicesexternal

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Collect and load refuse from customer locations into a heavy-duty sanitation vehicle, primarily by hand.

  • Assist the driver with maneuvering the vehicle for collection and disposal activities.

  • Participate in daily vehicle clean-up, learn garbage routes, and attend required safety and operational meetings.

Interstate Waste Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 92 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Interstate Waste Services is hiring Garbage Truck-Collection Helpers

 

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut markets with a rail-served landfill in Ohio!  IWS is committed to delivering high-quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers and communities. We cater to a diverse range of industrial, medical and commercial/residential customers. 

Founded in 1998, IWS has grown over the years through acquisitions, many of which were family-owned businesses that remain a part of our team today. We’re proud to combine the resources of a large company with the values and care of a family-run business. 


The Collection Helper’s main responsibility is to collect (primarily by hand) and load refuse from customer locations into a heavy-duty sanitation vehicle. Unless designated by the company as a CDL Helper, Helpers are not permitted to operate a company vehicle at any time. The position reports to the Operations Manager onsite but is also subject to supervision by Route Supervisors and Dispatchers. 
 


Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Transfer refuse in a timely and safe manner from customer stops to vehicle.
  • Assist the driver while maneuvering into positions for collection and disposal
  • Maintain and partake in daily clean-up of vehicle
  • Learn garbage routes to better assist driver
  • Attend all required training, operational meetings, and mandatory monthly Safety Meetings

Work Environment

  • Helpers spend majority of daily routine both in the cab of the truck, on the back of the truck, or moving around the truck for trash collection
  • Helpers must be able to physically mount and dismount the truck throughout the duration of the work day
  • Helpers must be able to constantly lift, push, and pull waste bags and receptacles that weigh approximately 50-75+ lbs. as part of their daily routine. The bags usually have no wheels or handles for easier maneuverability, so the employee must have the physical strength to carry out the job duties.

Requirements

  • Applicants must meet physical standards as specified above
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Experience from the sanitation industry is strongly preferred
  • Position requires a team-player attitude as job is spent in close quarters with other staff members that all rely on one another

IWS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.


USD $20.00/Hr.
USD $20.00/Hr.

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