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Garbage Collector Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

At GFL (Green For Life), we aren't just "garbage men"-we're the Green Team. We keep the wheels ... Tool Collector: You've got a toolbox that's your pride and joy. * Problem Solver: You don't just ...

At GFL (Green For Life), we aren't just "garbage men"-we're the Green Team. We keep the wheels ... Tool Collector: You've got a toolbox that's your pride and joy. * Problem Solver: You don't just ...

At GFL (Green For Life), we aren't just "garbage men"-we're the Green Team. We keep the wheels ... Tool Collector: You've got a toolbox that's your pride and joy. * Problem Solver: You don't just ...

Garbage Collector information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$5

$15

$28

How much do garbage collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collector in Raleigh, NC is $15.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $14.23 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 Raleigh, NC? For Garbage Collector jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Collector jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Collector jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Garbage Collector job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,979 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Solid Waste Collector

Solid Waste Collector

Town of Wake Forest

Wake Forest, NC • On-site

$41K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Employees in this class perform manual labor in collecting leaves, grass, limbs, and other debris from the Town. Work also included emptying waste receptacles along greenways, dog parks, and inside the town. The employees are subject to working in an outside environment, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, and moving mechanical parts.

Work involves riding in a truck and getting out at each stop to pick up debris and load it into a truck. Based on the operational needs of the division, the employee may be required to perform physical labor to include riding from the "back" of the refuse vehicle. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Solid Waste Supervisor and is performed under the direct observation of the Solid Waste Equipment Operator.

Employee Values: Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town's shared employee values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration. Essential Functions Essential Duties and Tasks Picks up limbs, bags of grass clippings, and leaves at the side of each yard. Empties trash cans on assigned route in dog parks, greenways and downtown.

Assembles garbage bins and recycling containers. Delivers trash cans and recycling bins. Picks up piles of bags, trash and debris left by contractors and lawn services.

Picks up storm debris. Rides truck to and from locations. Participates in the annual leaf collection program.

Assists other public works departments as needed. Drives truck on assigned route as a back-up driver as needed. Picks up piles of tree limbs and debris left by other town crews.

Operates hand tools as needed. Performs routine cleaning and maintenance on truck and equipment. Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications Recruitment and Selection Guidelines Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Working knowledge of the methods and techniques applied in unskilled manual labor. Working knowledge of standard hand tools, light equipment operation, and materials used in assigned work. Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and applicable safety precautions associated with assigned work.

Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and respond courteously to citizens. Ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions. Ability to read and follow maps.

Ability to drive a truck. Ability to perform repetitive manual labor. Ability to perform manual labor for long periods.

Desirable Education and Experience Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school with some experience performing manual labor work. Special Requirement Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. Physical Requirements Work in this class is very physical and requires physical stamina and dexterity to lift heavy amounts of debris and cans for a sustained period.

The employee must be able to physically perform the physical functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 to 75 pounds of force frequently, and 20 pounds constantly. Once an offer of employment has been extended, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation, including NC State Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting.