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Garbage Collector Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

G&H Trash Valet simply collects household bagged garbage and recycling and shuttles it to the on ... G&H Trash Valet is currently hiring for a Part Time Night Trash Collector. Get paid great money to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Garbage Collector information

See Texas salary details

$4

$15

$27

How much do garbage collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collector in Texas is $15.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $13.65 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 Texas? For Garbage Collector jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Collector jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Collector jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Garbage Collector jobs in TX? For Garbage Collector jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Garbage Collector job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 12% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,609 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

$16.23 - $19.48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


City Of New Braunfels rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 839 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Department:

Solid Waste Residential Services

FLSA Status:

Nonexempt

Hiring Salary:

Refuse Collector I range: $16.23 - $19.48

Refuse Collector II range: $16.88 - $20.26

Refuse Collector III range: $18.26 - $21.92

Welcome, 'ist das Leben schon!' (Life is good!) At the City of New Braunfels, we seek out people ready to serve the community, plan for the future, and preserve our well-renowned natural beauty. Our five Core Values serve as a cornerstone of our work: Integrity, Service, Visionary Leadership, Stewardship of Resources, and Cultural Heritage. Do our values speak to you?

What we're looking for: A motivated and collaborative individual to join the Solid Waste division. You will continue to successfully serve the current and future needs of the New Braunfels community. Under general supervision, performs a variety of customer service and manual labor tasks associated with the operation of the City's recycling center drop off facility and assists with maintenance of recycle center vehicles and equipment in accordance with safety regulations and procedures.

Benefits & Total Rewards:

Our City team members are our most valuable asset! We offer Total Rewards when you join our team.

  • Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance

  • 2:1 match on retirement contribution

  • Paid volunteer time off - 16 hours per year

  • Vacation accrual starts at date of hire - up to 120 hours annually your first year

  • Get paid to stay - longevity pay on top of your regular pay after one full year

  • Tuition reimbursement program

  • Bilingual pay offered

  • Keep learning - professional and personal development training available

The responsibilities you'll be trusted with:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Refuse Collector I

  • Assists customers with unloading recyclable materials at assigned City recycling facility.

  • Operates a hydraulic unit to compact waste materials and an electric processing machine to densify plastic foam.

  • Assists in the manual collection of solid waste, green waste and recyclable materials from residential and commercial sites on established routes; picks up, carries and empties and returns small garbage cans and designated recycling and green waste containers or maneuvers large garbage containers to collection vehicle and back without damage to containers or vehicle; operates mechanism(s) for loading and dumping into collection vehicle; picks up litter and debris caused during collection from roadway and/or right-of-way and deposits in collection vehicle.

  • Directs traffic and guides the deposit of waste into proper containers.

  • Directs and instructs customers on various division recycling services and policies.

  • Monitors and enforces rules and procedures with respect to division requirements for acceptable materials and customer activities at assigned City recycling facility.

  • Acts as a City representative and main point of contact for on-site customer needs, concerns and emergencies.

  • Assists Solid Waste Coordinator with outreach and education efforts such as tours, demonstrating equipment usage, wearing of recycling mascot uniform, etc.

  • Maintains records and logs for recycling facility activity reports.

  • Performs routine operator maintenance on assigned stationary and mobile equipment and performs manual labor tasks as assigned.

  • Maintains a clean, orderly, organized, and safe public recycling facility.

  • Physically loads, unloads, manipulates, and manages a variety of materials.

  • Utilizes appropriate safety equipment and procedures.

  • Identifies and reports maintenance and safety needs of equipment and facilities.

  • Recognizes, avoids, and reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents and injuries.

  • Successfully complete 6-month probation period

  • Demonstrate proper use and care of all personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Demonstrates mastery of safe vehicle mounting, riding, dismounting, and guiding techniques for a rear load collection vehicle

  • Consistently demonstrates reliability and punctuality and follows through with tasks, completing them in a timely manner.

  • Consistently demonstrates the willingness and ability to work as part of a team, supporting colleagues and contributing to group efforts

  • Consistently demonstrates the willingness and ability to learn new tasks and master various job requirements while maintaining professionalism and a positive, team-first attitude

  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Refuse Collector II

In addition to responsibilities and behaviors of a Refuse Collector I:

  • Demonstrates an increasing knowledge of the City's geography and proficiency to assist in at least two of the following operational areas within SWRD: commercial rear-load, residential green waste, and recycling center operations

  • Demonstrates proficiency in correct and safe operation for servicing all containers used in rear-load operations, packing of the waste, and dumping of various rear load collection vehicles

  • Demonstrates the willingness and ability to learn new skills for the betterment of the team, which may include basic welding and forklift operation

  • Continues to consistently display attributes of Refuse Collector I

Refuse Collector III

In addition to responsibilities and behaviors of a Refuse Collector III:

  • Obtains a minimum Class B CDL

  • Proficiently assists in all three of the following areas within SWRD: commercial rear-load, residential green waste, and recycling center operations

  • Maintains proficiency in either basic welding, forklift operations, OR both

  • Safely and efficiently performs duties as a Solid Waste Operator when needed

  • Continues to consistently display attributes of Refuse Collector I and II

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter most for this role:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or GED equivalent, AND a strong background in general labor, with a proven ability to perform physically demanding tasks and work outdoors in various environments.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

  • Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.

Required Knowledge of:

  • Knowledge of the basic safety procedures for vehicle backing, safe conduct around heavy equipment, safe lifting and pulling techniques, and ensuring personal safety while working in a dynamic, outdoor environment.

  • Basic customer service skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team

  • City policies and procedures.

  • City safety rules and regulations, occupational hazards and safety precautions.

Required Skill in:

  • Safety awareness and the ability to follow safety protocols and properly use personal protective equipment

  • Effective communication and the ability to work well with team members and supervisors

  • Adaptability to learn and master varying job requirements as needed

  • Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public

Your Work Environment:

  • Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions frequently while riding on the Collector's step of a collection vehicle, with exposure to hazardous equipment, dust, pollen, damp/wet surfaces and high noise levels, fumes, odors; may work in cramped spaces and conditions with poor lighting and ventilation; susceptible to mechanical hazards associated with equipment and other safety hazards due to working in and around traffic. Performs bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, twisting, crawling and reaching both to ground level and overhead; may be required to lift and carry up to 100 pounds and/or push and pull up to 150 pounds; use of fine motor skills, must hold and grip objects. Subject to working in awkward positions and periods of prolonged walking, standing or sitting.

  • Employee is required to wear PPE such as but not limited to: steel toe boots, hard hat with chin strap, gloves, safety glasses, and high visibility uniforms.

  • Employee may be required to work weekends, holidays and other irregularly scheduled times.

  • May be required to work immediately before, during or immediately after an emergency or disaster.

  • NOTE: This position is designated safety and/or security sensitive.

The City of New Braunfels is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.


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