1

Garbage Driver Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Garbage Driver information

See New York salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do garbage driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage driver in New York is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a garbage driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garbage Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), good driving record, and knowledge of safe vehicle operation. Familiarity with garbage trucks, hydraulic lift systems, and GPS routing technology is typically required. Reliability, attention to detail, and strong customer service skills help drivers build positive relationships with clients and maintain high safety standards. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, safe, and compliant waste collection services that support community health and sanitation.

How many hours a week do garbage drivers work?

Garbage drivers typically work around 40 hours per week, often involving early morning or evening shifts. Overtime may be required during busy periods or to cover route demands, and schedules can vary based on the employer and location.

How hard is it to become a garbage driver?

Becoming a garbage driver typically requires a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and physical ability to handle the job's physical demands. Training is often provided by employers, and the job involves operating large trucks, working early mornings or evenings, and following safety protocols.

Why do garbage truck drivers get paid so much?

Garbage truck drivers often earn higher wages due to the physically demanding nature of the job, the need for specialized skills in operating large vehicles, and the requirement to work early mornings or in challenging environments. Their compensation reflects the responsibility for safety, efficiency, and adherence to strict schedules in waste collection operations.

What is the difference between Garbage Driver vs Recycling Truck Driver?

AspectGarbage DriverRecycling Truck Driver
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often requiredDriver's license, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentResidential/commercial waste collectionRecycling collection at residential/commercial sites
Industry UsageWaste management, sanitation servicesRecycling and environmental services
Job TasksCollect and transport wasteCollect and transport recyclable materials

Both Garbage Drivers and Recycling Truck Drivers operate in waste management, often requiring similar licenses and working in residential or commercial areas. The main difference lies in the materials they handle: Garbage Drivers focus on waste, while Recycling Truck Drivers specialize in recyclable materials. Their roles are essential for maintaining sanitation and environmental sustainability.

What are some common challenges garbage drivers face on their routes, and how can they prepare for them?

Garbage drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating narrow streets, variable weather conditions, and dealing with unpredictable traffic patterns. Additionally, they must remain vigilant for pedestrians and properly handle heavy or hazardous waste. Preparation involves familiarizing themselves with their routes, conducting routine vehicle inspections, and adhering strictly to safety protocols to minimize risks and maintain efficiency.

What does a garbage driver do?

A garbage driver, also known as a refuse collector or sanitation truck driver, is responsible for operating garbage trucks to collect waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and public areas. They follow established routes and schedules, ensuring timely and safe removal of trash. In addition to driving, they may also assist in loading and unloading waste containers and are required to follow safety and environmental guidelines. This role is essential in keeping communities clean and maintaining public health standards.
What job categories do people searching Garbage Driver jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Driver jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Garbage Driver jobs? Cities in New York with the most Garbage Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various Garbage Driver job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,265 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Waste Services Garbage Truck Helper

Interstate Waste Services

Closter, NJ • On-site

$18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Interstate Waste Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 89 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Interstate Waste Services Garbage Truck-Collection Helpers

Interstate Waste Services is hiring Garbage Truck-Collection Helpers in Closter, NJ. Highlights include:

  • Monday thru Friday with some Saturday hours
  • Early start time 5AM
  • Hourly pay - $18.00

Full comprehensive benefit package including:

  • Paid vacations
  • Health-care & dental options
  • Life & AD&D insurance
  • Short Term Disability Insurance
  • Accident/Critical Illness Coverage
  • Prescription coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Survivor benefits
  • 401k with company match
  • Pet insurance
  • Identity Theft Protection

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the country! We primarily service Northern New Jersey, Southern New York State, New York City, and recently expanded our operations of transfer stations into Pennsylvania and Ohio, where we also own and operate a state-of-the-art rail-served landfill. We cater to a diverse range of residential, industrial, and commercial customers. Our mission has always been to provide our customers with the highest quality waste, recycling, and environmental services, while keeping focus on employee, customer, and environmental safety.

Essential Job Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.

The Collection Helper's main responsibility is to collect (primarily by hand) and load refuse from customer locations into a heavy-duty sanitation vehicle. Unless designated by the company as a CDL Helper, Helpers are not permitted to operate a company vehicle at any time. The position reports to the Operations Manager onsite but is also subject to supervision by Route Supervisors and Dispatchers.

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Transfer refuse in a timely and safe manner from customer stops to vehicle.
  • Assist the driver while maneuvering into positions for collection and disposal
  • Maintain and partake in daily clean-up of vehicle
  • Learn garbage routes to better assist driver
  • Attend all required training, operational meetings, and mandatory monthly Safety Meetings

Work Environment

  • Helpers spend majority of daily routine both in the cab of the truck, on the back of the truck, or moving around the truck for trash collection
  • Helpers must be able to physically mount and dismount the truck throughout the duration of the work day
  • Helpers must be able to constantly lift, push, and pull waste bags and receptacles that weigh approximately 50-75+ lbs. as part of their daily routine. The bags usually have no wheels or handles for easier maneuverability, so the employee must have the physical strength to carry out the job duties.
Requirements and Qualifications

Requirements

  • Applicants must meet physical standards as specified above
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Experience from the sanitation industry is strongly preferred
  • Position requires a team-player attitude as job is spent in close quarters with other staff members that all rely on one another

Additional Job Requirements:

  • Routes may require Drivers to navigate through congested communities and confined or tight areas in city locations.
  • Highly skilled backing maneuvers are essential to successfully perform this job.
  • Our drivers routinely climb in and out of the truck cab to service customer accounts.
  • Driver pre and post inspections required. Drivers are responsible for ensuring their truck is in compliance with IWS's safety standards as well as OSHA and DOT regulations, and local traffic laws, prior to and while operating the vehicle.
Additional Information

IWS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Salary Range Minimum

USD $18.00/Hr.

Salary Range Maximum

USD $18.00/Hr.


What Interstate Waste Services employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom