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Garbage Collector Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Garbage Collector information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$15

$27

How much do garbage collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collector in Iowa is $15.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.97 and $13.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is a garbage collector paid?

Garbage collectors in the United States typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and union membership. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced workers or those in high-cost areas can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What Is the Job of a Garbage Collector?

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 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.

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 does a garbage collector do?

A garbage collector is responsible for collecting and disposing of waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and public areas. They operate garbage trucks, lift and empty bins, and ensure that trash is properly sorted and disposed of according to local regulations. The job may also involve cleaning streets, maintaining equipment, and interacting with the public to promote proper waste disposal. Garbage collectors play a vital role in keeping communities clean and protecting public 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, 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.

How do you become a garbage collector?

To become a garbage collector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a physical exam. On-the-job training is provided, and knowledge of safety procedures and operating waste collection equipment is important; some positions may require a commercial driver's license (CDL).

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 specialized trucks. The job typically requires physical fitness, safety awareness, and adherence to schedules, but it generally does not require advanced education or certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Garbage Collector jobs in Iowa? For Garbage Collector jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Collector jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Collector jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Garbage Collector jobs in IA? For Garbage Collector jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Garbage Collector job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,867 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Solid Waste and Recycling Driver Collector I

Solid Waste and Recycling Driver Collector I

City of Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$55K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


City Of Cedar Rapids rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

650th of 703 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The City of Cedar Rapids is hiring a Solid Waste and Recycling Driver Collector Ito join our Public Utilities team. In this vital role, you'll support daily waste and recycling collection-keeping our city clean, sustainable, and running smoothly. As a City employee, you'll enjoy excellent benefits, including generous paid time off, top-tier health insurance, IPERS retirement, and career advancement opportunities within one of Iowa's largest and most innovative public utilities.

If you're dependable, safety-minded, and enjoy working outdoors while making a positive impact in your community, apply today and make a difference. About our Organization At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job.

If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation. About our Community Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here.

About this Opportunity Provides labor and leadership in carrying out a program of collection and disposal of either solid waste or recycling on a City-wide basis. Works under general supervision, and follows directives received from Solid Waste/Recycling Management Office. Work is prescribed, but there is some latitude for independent judgment in carrying out routing activities.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Essential Duties & Responsibilities Drives and loads collection truck in the daily pickup of solid waste, yard waste or recycling; Picks up and sweeps up spilled garbage, debris, litter or recyclables and places in truck; Operates mechanisms for loading and unloading of garbage or recycling truck; Ensures that garbage and yard waste are collected separately; Ensures that only the designated recyclable materials are collected from recycling containers; Drives loaded truck to either the landfill, compost site, recycling facility or transfer station; Provides front line public relations activities by interacting with residential customers and staff in a professional manner; Ensures proper maintenance of garbage, yard waste, or recycling truck: conducts daily circle checks, reports minor or major mechanical problems to section mechanics via operator's circle check/squawk sheet, maintains all fluid levels as required, drives garbage, yard waste, or recycling truck into garage and cleans garbage/yard waste truck after completion of daily route and recycling truck as required; Maintains records of tagged garbage, yard waste or recycling and submits records to office daily; Adheres to all (OSHA) Occupational Safety Health Administration Rules and Regulations including the wearing of all designated safety equipment required by the City of Cedar Rapids Department of Solid Waste and Recycling; Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City, State and Federal policies, procedures and safety practices; Attends work regularly at the designated place and time; Supports continuous process improvement initiatives; Performs related work as required. Qualifications Acceptable Experience and Training Graduation from High School or GED, and A minimum of one year of experience driving a CDL vehicle required, Experience with use of automated garbage, recycling, or yard waste collection trucks required, Experience driving garbage, recycling, or yard waste collection routes required, Experience picking up or delivering items preferred; or Any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Special Qualifications Iowa Commercial Driver's License (Class B) with air brake endorsements and valid Medical Examiners Certificate. Supplemental Information Work Schedule M-F 6:30am-2:30pm Collector I New Hire Collector I 1 year Collector II 2 years Collector II 3 years $26.52 $29.36 $32.18 $34.02 * Movement to Collector II will occur two years from hire date* Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history)

Applicants with Disabilities We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process.

To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.


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