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Garbage Collector Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

... Waste Collector Helpers. SUMMARY: Under direct supervision, collects residential and commercial ... Employees in this class perform routine work as part of a crew in collecting garbage, refuse ...

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Garbage Collector information

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$3

$12

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How much do garbage collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collector in Florida is $12.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.52 and $10.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a garbage collector do?

A garbage collector’s duties are to pick up trash and recycling and transport it to a landfill, sorting facility, or recycling center. In this career, you may pick up trash from residential buildings, commercial buildings, or both. You may pick up trash cans by hand or operate hydraulic components of the truck that lift the can and dump the contents into the truck. Some garbage collectors drive along specific routes throughout the week, while others respond to calls to pick up trash.

What skills are useful as a garbage collector?

To thrive as a Garbage Collector, you need physical stamina, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a strong understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with refuse collection vehicles, hydraulic lift systems, and basic maintenance tools is typically required. Reliability, attention to detail, and teamwork are essential soft skills that enhance performance in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe waste removal and contribute to maintaining public health and sanitation in communities.

What are some common challenges faced by garbage collectors, and how are they addressed in the workplace?

Garbage collectors often encounter challenges such as exposure to harsh weather conditions, handling heavy or hazardous waste, and navigating busy streets or alleys. To address these, employers typically provide safety training, personal protective equipment, and clear procedures for lifting and handling waste. Teams often work closely to support each other, ensure routes are covered efficiently, and maintain clear communication with supervisors about any issues that arise during collection. Adaptability and teamwork are key to overcoming these challenges while maintaining safety and efficiency.

What is the difference between Garbage Collector vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectGarbage CollectorWaste Management Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma; may require certifications in waste management
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on collection routesOutdoor and indoor waste processing facilities
Industry UsagePublic sanitation servicesWaste treatment and recycling facilities
Job FocusCollecting and transporting wasteManaging waste processing, recycling, and disposal

While both roles involve waste management, Garbage Collectors focus on collecting waste from residential or commercial sites, whereas Waste Management Technicians handle waste processing, recycling, and disposal at facilities. The roles often overlap in industry and credentials but differ in daily tasks and work environment.

How much money do garbage collectors get paid?

Garbage collectors typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often work early morning or overnight shifts and may need a commercial driver's license to operate collection trucks.

What is required to be a garbage collector?

To become a garbage collector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical strength and stamina to perform manual labor, and the ability to operate trucks and equipment. Some positions may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) and knowledge of safety procedures. On-the-job training is usually provided, and a clean driving record is often preferred.

What qualifications do you need to be a garbage collector?

Garbage collectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a physical exam due to the demanding nature of the job. Some positions require a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and knowledge of safety procedures and equipment operation.

What are popular job titles related to Garbage Collector jobs in Florida?

For Garbage Collector jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Garbage Collector jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage Collector jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Garbage Collector jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Garbage Collector job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Garbage Collector jobs in FL?

For Garbage Collector jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Garbage Collector job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $25,354 per year, or $12.2 per hour.

Refuse Driver/Collector

City of Green Cove Springs

Green Cove Springs, FL • On-site

$21.12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs and Friday: 7am-5:30pm JOB SUMMARY This position performs skilled work in the operation of a refuse collection truck in the city residential and commercial refuse collection and disposal program. This position requires you to drive the refuse truck and ride on the back of the refuse truck. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Drives a refuse collection truck and recycling truck on an established route.

Walks or rides the back of the truck to the garbage disposal areas of commercial, residential and landfill premises. Performs loading, sweeping, raking, digging, and other manual laboring tasks. Uses hand tools including but not limited to pitch forks, shovels, and broom to pick up general refuse and trash from curbside and other areas.

Loads residential waste, recyclables, and yard waste into trucks. Supervises collectors assigned to assist in loading and unloading refuse. Operates mechanical controls to compact refuse or unload truck at landfill site and guides driver in congested areas when backing up truck.

Operates claw truck to collect yard waste. Washes, disinfects, and cleans equipment, assists in preventive maintenance of equipment, and performs routine checks of fluids. Performs daily inspection of vehicle and checks oil level, tires, and brake fluid level.

Inform supervisors of any vehicle problems or unsafe conditions. Leaves notices of refuse violations. Provides support to the city by delivering and performing maintenance on publicly maintained trash cans and recycling bins.

Exercises appropriate safety precautions while vehicle is in operation and performing daily duties. Support the department by training new employees on routes and equipment. May assist Crew Leader in gathering information for monthly reports and work orders.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience in driving heavy automotive equipment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Licenses or Certifications: Possession of a valid Class "B" Florida Commercial Driver's License and compliance with vehicle use policy requirements, Section 8.15(c) in the City's Personnel Manual

Special Requirements: This position is designated as a safety sensitive position. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of operation, maintenance, capabilities, limitations, and safety aspects of refuse collection vehicle. Knowledge of highway safety rules and regulations.

Knowledge of safe working procedures. Skill in driving heavy automotive equipment. Ability to lift and carry heavy loads.

Ability to safely operate compacting, loading, and unloading apparatus. Ability to issue instructions to assigned crew. Ability to understand and comply with written and oral instructions.

Ability to read street and traffic signs. Ability to interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is heavy and requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. Also requires the following physical abilities: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed outside in varying weather conditions with dust, odors, fumes, and noise, on slippery surfaces, and in or with moving objects or vehicles.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

The City has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment. The City of Green Cove Springs, FL commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws.

The City's policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law.