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Garbage Collector Jobs in Suffolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

City of Norfolk, VA

Refuse Collector I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$46K - $78K/yr

The City of Norfolk's department of Public Works is seeking a Refuse Collector I for our Waste ... gallon garbage cans, furniture, tree limbs, etc. from the curb, replacing damaged trash cans as ...

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Garbage Collector information

See Suffolk, VA salary details

$5

$15

$27

How much do garbage collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collector in Suffolk, VA is $15.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $13.94 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.
More about Garbage Collector jobs
What cities near Suffolk, VA are hiring for Garbage Collector jobs? Cities near Suffolk, VA with the most Garbage Collector job openings:
Garbage Collector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Collector job openings in Suffolk, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,276 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Refuse Collector I

Refuse Collector I

City of Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$46K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

City Of Norfolk (Virginia) rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

475th of 832 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary : $46,794.34 - $78,396.85 Annually
Location : 1176 Pineridge Road, Norfolk, VA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 14258
Department: Public Works
Division: Waste Management
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 8/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.
The City of Norfolk's department of Public Works is seeking a Refuse Collector I for our Waste Management Division. This position is responsible for collecting waste from residential property according to an assigned route. Maintains and monitors the truck for any necessary repairs.
The Department of Public Works builds, maintains, and operates the physical facilities that support and enhance the lives of Norfolk's citizens, businesses, and visitors, including the City's Storm Water System, Street Network and Waste Management and Recycling Systems. The Department is comprised of 9 divisions that function collectively to make your commute safe and efficient, your neighborhood more attractive, and the streets and sidewalks clean and well-maintained.
Departmental Hiring Salary Range: $46,794-$51,473
Essential Functions
Essential functions include but are not limited to:
  • Collects and disposes of waste by operating an automated truck, using the truck to pick up ninety gallon garbage cans, furniture, tree limbs, etc. from the curb, replacing damaged trash cans as needed and traveling to the transfer station to empty the truck. Lifts boxes, bags of yard waste, furniture, tree limbs, etc. into collection truck; places waste, furniture and other refuse into collection trucks.
  • Maintains the truck by filling the vehicle with fuel, washing and sweeping it out, and ensuring that the brake and back up lights are functioning properly.
  • Conducts CDL Pre-rip and Post-Trip Inspections.
  • Interacts daily with citizens and customers by explaining refuse collection codes and procedures.

Education/Experience
Work requires the ability to read and understand written instructions, to understand simple processes and the routine operation of machines. Level of knowledge equivalent to less than high school or equivalency.
Six (6) months refuse collection experience or commercial driving experience desired.
Additional Information & Requirements
  • Valid CDL Driver's License.
  • Must successfully pass all entry level testing and assessments.

  • Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking.
  • Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization.
  • Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union.
  • Retirement
If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
  • The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant's school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.

NOTE:
The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type.
Non-City
Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.
01
The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.
  • I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.

02
Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee?
  • Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee
  • Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee
  • No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk employee

03
If you were referred for this position by a current City of Norfolk employee, please provide the employee's full name, department, and job title, and your relationship to the employee. If not, please indicate by typing "N/A."
04
Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.
05
How many years of experience do you have working in a solid waste collections environment or a related field?
  • No experience
  • Less than a year
  • 1-3 years
  • 3-5 years
  • More than 5 years

06
This Job requires the ability to lift (up to 75 lbs.) bending and repetitive motion. Are you able to meet these requirements?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Please indicate how many years of experience you have working in environmental services?
  • No experience
  • Less than a year
  • 1-3 years
  • 3-5 years
  • More than 5 years

08
Do you possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Are you CPR certified?
  • Yes
  • No

10
This position is classified as Essential and will be required to be available to work flexible hours, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies. Are you able to accept this scheduling requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

11
Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required)
  • I am not a Veteran
  • I am a Veteran
  • I am a Disabled Veteran

Required Question

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