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Garbage Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Cocoa, FL · On-site

The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and ...

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Rockledge, FL · On-site

The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and ...

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Rockledge, FL · On-site

The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and ...

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How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in the United States is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a garbage helper do?

A Garbage Helper, also known as a sanitation worker or refuse collector, assists in collecting and disposing of residential and commercial waste. They typically ride on garbage trucks, lift and empty trash bins into the truck, and ensure that waste is properly loaded for transportation to disposal or recycling facilities. The job requires physical stamina, attention to safety, and the ability to work in various weather conditions. Garbage Helpers play an essential role in keeping communities clean and reducing health hazards associated with improper waste disposal.

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

To thrive as a Garbage Helper, you need physical stamina, basic knowledge of waste collection procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with garbage trucks, hydraulic lifts, and safety equipment is typically required on the job. Dependability, teamwork, and attention to safety are crucial soft skills that help ensure efficient operations. These skills and qualities are important to maintain public health, prevent workplace accidents, and support reliable waste management services.

What are some common challenges faced by a garbage helper and how can they be managed?

Garbage Helpers often face challenges such as exposure to unpleasant odors, inclement weather, and physically demanding tasks like lifting heavy bins. To manage these, it's important to use proper protective gear such as gloves and masks, follow safety protocols to avoid injuries, and maintain good communication with the driver and crew to ensure efficient workflow. Over time, many find that teamwork and adapting to a routine help make the role more manageable and rewarding.

What is the difference between Garbage Helper vs Waste Collector?

AspectGarbage HelperWaste Collector
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, valid driver’s license, sometimes CDL
Work EnvironmentResidential and commercial areas, often assisting with waste collectionOutdoor routes, operating trucks, collecting waste from designated areas
Employer & Industry UsageWaste management companies, sanitation servicesMunicipal waste departments, private waste collection firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles assisting waste collectionPrimary role in waste collection services

Garbage Helpers assist Waste Collectors by handling waste, sorting, and supporting collection routes. While both roles work in waste management, Waste Collectors are responsible for operating trucks and collecting waste directly from customers, whereas Garbage Helpers typically perform supportive tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the waste management industry.

How to become a garbage helper?

To become a garbage helper, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and be able to perform physical tasks such as lifting and standing for long periods. Some employers may require a high school diploma or equivalent and provide on-the-job training. Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are important for this role.
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What cities are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Garbage jobs?

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What states have the most Garbage Helper jobs?

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Garbage Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,494 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Garbage Truck Helper - Waste Pro - Pompano Beach, Florida

Waste Pro

Pompano Beach, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Waste Pro rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Garbage Truck Helper - Waste Pro - Pompano Beach, FL
$20/Hour + $5,000 Performance Bonus
$20.00 Per Hour | $5,000 Performance Bonus Opportunity | Full Benefits | Year-Round Work
Like Working Outdoors and Staying Active? This May Be the Job for You.
Waste Pro is one of the nation's fastest-growing privately owned waste and recycling companies, providing essential environmental services to communities throughout the Southeast. Our continued growth has been built on a commitment to safety, exceptional customer service, innovation, operational excellence, and investing in our people.
We are hiring Garbage Truck Helpers to join our team for our Pompano Beach Division.
This is an active, outdoor job working on the back of a garbage truck. You'll work alongside a CDL driver collecting residential garbage, yard waste, recycling, and bulk items throughout the route. This is not a sit-down job. You'll be on your feet, getting on and off the rear step of the truck, moving carts, lifting trash bags and other items, and working outdoors throughout your shift.
Hard work gets noticed at Waste Pro. Many of our people start as Helpers and grow into positions with greater responsibility and earning potential, and become leaders within the company.
OUTSTANDING Benefits
  • Hourly Pay - No Delays on Your First Check!
    • $5,000 Garbage Helper Safety Bonus Opportunity
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance with a pathway to FREE Healthcare
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Supplemental Insurance
    • FREE Company-Paid Group Life Insurance
    • 401(k) with Generous Company Match
    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Paid Sick Time
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Mentorship Program
    • Career Advancement Opportunities
    • Ongoing Education and Safety Training
    • Uniforms, PPE, Coolers, and Ice Provided

What You'll Be Doing
As a Garbage Truck Helper, you'll work as a team with your driver to safely and efficiently complete residential collection routes.
  • Ride on the rear step of a rear-load garbage truck while servicing designated routes
    • Collect garbage, yard waste, recycling, and bulk items
    • Move residential carts to the truck and position them for collection
    • Manually lift and carry trash bags, containers, and other refuse
    • Get on and off the rear truck step repeatedly throughout the route
    • Operate the truck's packing mechanism as trained and authorized
    • Assist the driver with safe backing by providing direction from the ground
    • Clean up loose or spilled refuse and leave collection areas clean
    • Return customers' containers to the proper location
    • Provide back-door collection service when required
    • Help clean behind the compactor blade, hopper, and truck as directed
    • Provide courteous and efficient service to residents and customers
    • Answer basic customer questions and direct residents to Customer Service when additional assistance is needed
    • Follow all Waste Pro, ANSI, OSHA, and company safety requirements
    • Immediately report safety concerns, customer service issues, or other problems to the driver and supervisor
    • Assist other routes as needed to complete the day's work
    • Work during emergency situations when required
    • Perform other job-related duties as assigned

The Work Environment
Garbage collection is physical, outdoor work. You will work outside throughout your shift and may be exposed to:
  • Florida heat and humidity
    • Rain, wind, and changing weather conditions
    • Direct sunlight
    • Dust, dirt, fumes, and odors associated with waste collection
    • Noise and vibration from trucks and equipment
    • Frequent walking, standing, climbing, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying
    • Repeatedly getting on and off the rear step of the garbage truck

You'll also be working around moving vehicles and equipment, which is why following safety procedures at all times is essential. Waste Pro provides required uniforms, personal protective equipment (PPE), coolers, ice, and ongoing safety training.
What We're Looking For
  • Have reliable attendance and understand the importance of reporting to work every day they are scheduled. Trash collection does not stop, and our customers depend on us to complete every route.
  • Show up on time, ready to work, and prepared to complete the assigned route
  • Are comfortable performing physical work outdoors
  • Can work safely in Florida weather conditions
  • Are willing and able to handle garbage and waste materials
  • Can work effectively as part of a two-person collection team
  • Have a positive attitude and provide good customer service
  • Can follow Waste Pro, OSHA, and ANSI safety requirements
  • Are willing to learn, work hard, and take advantage of opportunities to grow

PHYSICAL WORK REQUIREMENTS
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Ability to independently push or pull up to 50 pounds approximately 800-1,000 times per day
  • Ability to independently lift up to 50 pounds from ground level to waist height approximately 800-1,000 times per day
  • Ability to get on and off the truck or commercial motor vehicle approximately 800-1,000 times per day
  • Ability to bend at the waist and knees approximately 800-1,000 times per day
  • Ability to work 8-12-hour shifts in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow
  • Ability to ride on the outside rear step of the truck while servicing residential customers in low-speed areas

Waste Pro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Be able to follow safe operating practices.
* Be able to learn and use interpersonal skills relating to good customer service
* Be able and willing to work in a team environment
* Be able to read, write and comprehend reports well enough to complete daily assignments.
Special Considerations/Physical Work Requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
1. Physically able to push or pull independently (unassisted) 50 pounds between 800 and 1000 times a day
2. Physically able to lift independently (unassisted) 50 pounds from the ground to waist height between 800 and 1000 times a day
3. Physically able to get up and down from the cab of a commercial motor vehicle between 800 and 1000 times a day
4. Physically able to bend at the waist and knees between 800 and 1000 times a day
5. Physically able to work 8 to 12 hours in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain and snow)
6. Ability to ride on the outside of the truck while servicing residential customers in low MPH areas.

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