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Garbage Helper Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Dishwasher

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$16/hr

Removes trash from all kitchen areas and monitors all garbage cans and garbage sites related to ... Teamwork Balances team and individual responsibilities; encourages others and asks for help when ...

Helping other team members to unload and store deliveries * Assist other staff members with tasks ... Rinsing garbage cans Dishwasher Job Requirements: * Must have minimal work experience as a ...

Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Ability to ... Ability to perform a physically demanding job, loading and unloading, at times with no helpers.

Dish Machine Operator

Athens, AL · On-site

$8 - $10/hr

... Helping other team members to unload and store deliveries Assist other staff members with tasks ... Rinsing garbage cans Dishwasher Job Requirements:: Must have minimal work experience as a ...

Weekend Dishwasher

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Helping other team members to unload and store deliveries * Assist other staff members with tasks ... Rinsing garbage cans Dishwasher Job Requirements: * Must have minimal work experience as a ...

Showing results 21-40

Garbage Helper information

See Alabama salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Alabama is $15.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $17.88 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 a high school diploma or equivalent and physical stamina for lifting and working outdoors. Job requirements often include a valid driver's license and the ability to operate waste collection equipment; some positions may require background checks or safety training. On-the-job training is common, and the work usually involves early morning or evening shifts in a team environment.

What qualifications do you need to be a garbage helper?

To be a garbage helper, no formal education is typically required, but physical strength and stamina are important for lifting and moving heavy waste. Basic knowledge of safety procedures and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are also essential; some employers may require a valid driver's license if operating or assisting with waste collection vehicles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Garbage jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Garbage jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,078 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Washes, scrubs, and dries all dishes, utensils, beverage containers, food carts, and cooking pots, containers, and pans.

  • Assists with the receiving, inspection, and storage of supplies.

  • Keeps food items from possible contamination and spoilage with proper covers, dating/labeling, storage, and by keeping food at safe temperatures.


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: Utility Aide supports the dining functions of a campus by providing various services in the areas of food preparation, dishwashing, sanitation, and the receiving and storage of supplies under the

supervision of the Executive Chef / Director of Dining Services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Assists the Executive Chef / Directory of Dietary Services with the calculation of food and supply inventory.
  • Attending kitchen spills quickly and keeps the floor and surface areas clean and free of debris.
  • Assists in preparation of meals. Manages portion control and proper diet requirements (including special diets).
  • Follows sanitation programs/schedules including daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules and sanitation inspections.
  • Keeps food items from possible contamination and spoilage with proper covers, dating/labeling, storage and by keeping food at safe temperatures.
  • Assists with the receiving, inspection, and storage of supplies.
  • Removes trash from all kitchen areas and monitors all garbage cans and garbage sites related to dietary services.
  • Washes, scrubs, and dries all dishes, utensils, beverage containers, beverage, food carts, and cooking pots, containers, and pans.
  • Manages dishwashing stations and ensures that all chemicals register correctly following approved State and company guidelines.
  • Performs preventive maintenance and equipment checks on all dishwashing equipment in the kitchen area.
  • Transports dishes back to the main kitchen for cleaning.
  • As assigned, sets up and breaks down member/resident events.
  • Job Description - Utility Aide

    08/2023

    1

    COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Technical Skills Individual must demonstrate current and ongoing competence in tasks assigned which indicates a specialized skill in this area above and beyond the average.
  • Communication Demonstrates an ability to transfer information effectively and regularly to necessary parties to improve the quality of her work and to provide her supervisor with actionable, accurate data.
  • Initiative Is self‐motivated and personally competitive. Wants to achieve for the good of the Company
  • and her team. Seeks additional work when they have capacity. Demonstrates an ability and desire to bring new ideas and solutions to their supervisor on an ongoing basis.

  • Flexibility The ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions. The ability to navigate obstacles with ease and professionalism.
  • Interpersonal Skills Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to ideas and tries new things.
  • Teamwork Balances team and individual responsibilities; encourages others and asks for help when needed. Exhibits patience and compassion.
  • Professionalism Ensures product is delivered on time and is of the highest quality. Assumes
  • responsibility for mistakes. Presents themselves in a manner which enhances the brand image.

    Understands that no information is truly private and conducts online or social networking activities accordingly.

  • Ethics Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works ethically with
  • integrity.

    Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Expected Hours of Work: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this

    job.

  • The Team Member is often required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, taste and/or smell.
  • An individual in this position will be required to lift or carry weights up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be free of diseases that can be transmitted in the performance of job responsibilities during the
  • stage of communicability unless the Team Member can be given duties that minimize the likelihood of transmission.

  • The Team Member may be exposed to minimal to moderate noise and exposure to blood and/or body
  • fluids. Also, may experience traumatic situations including psychiatric and deceased residents.

    TRAVEL: No travel is expected although occasional travel may be required for training sessions, continuing education opportunities, emergency situations, and other company functions.

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • High school graduation or GED required.
  • 1‐2 years’ experience in a similar position desired.
  • Job Description - Utility Aide

    08/2023

    2

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently.
  • Ability to meet or exceed the company’s attendance and punctuality standards.
  • Ability to use miscellaneous software and office equipment.
  • Ability to understand and follow directions as given.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.