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Garbage Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cook Helper

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.65/hr

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt ... garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers. • Distributes supplies, utensils, and ...

Cook Helper

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.65/hr

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt ... garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers. • Distributes supplies, utensils, and ...

Cook Helper Reports To: Food Services Supervisor Department: Food Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt ... garbage containers. Distributes supplies, utensils, and portable equipment, using hand truck.

Driver Helper

Marina, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Waste Connections is looking for a safety conscience Driver Helper to join our growing team in ... Ability to safely operate on and around a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste.

We are currently looking for a Floor Helper, 3rd Shift to join our team! Why work at MCC ... Ensure all assets have correct stock at machine, dump garbage, wrap cardboard, Must be able to use ...

Ensures proper garbage and trash disposal and removal. Assists with kitchen preparation, if ... Help with consolidation of products. * Works with shipping and receiving in stocking / organizing ...

Dishwasher AM & PM

Venice, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Ensures proper garbage and trash disposal and removal. Assists with kitchen preparation, if ... Help with consolidation of products. * Works with shipping and receiving in stocking / organizing ...

Ensures proper garbage and trash disposal and removal. Assists with kitchen preparation, if ... Help with consolidation of products. * Works with shipping and receiving in stocking / organizing ...

In this role, you have the opportunity to help secure the JavaScriptCore virtual machine. The ... garbage collector and memory allocators, and the API for native apps. These subsystems run ...

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Day Porter

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.55 - $22/hr

Help pull out dumpsters on garbage days (This is required on some holidays as well) * Assist maintenance with cleaning, moving appliances, and any necessary support (This might be requested after ...

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Garbage Helper information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$22

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in California is $17.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Garbage jobs in California? The most popular types of Garbage jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs? Cities in California with the most Garbage Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,016 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Cook Helper

Cook Helper

Bizzell Group

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$17.65/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position: Cook Helper

Reports To: Food Services Supervisor

Department: Food Services

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt


Primary Position Objectives

Assists the Cooks in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining facility, equipment, and surfaces.


Position Responsibilities

Administration Procedures

• Responsible for the set up and breakdown of serving line.

• Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized.

• Notify staff of items that need to be replenished and restocked.

• Responsible for helping to rotate perishable items at the end of the shift, to help ensure fresh product.

• Responsible for serving students, staff, and guests in a pleasant, efficient, courteous and professional manner.

• Responsible for assisting with dishes when necessary.

• Responsible for the changing and emptying of trash receptacles.

• Responsible for coming to work neat and clean and in proper attire.

• Be familiar with the communication system in the event of an emergency.

• Responsible for assisting with some programming and activity events when required.

• Assists workers engaged in preparing foods by performing any combination of duties to include washing, peeling, cutting, and seeding vegetables and fruits.

• Cleans, cuts, and grinds meats, poultry, and seafood.

• Dips food items in crumbs, flour, and batter to bread them.

• Stirs and strains soups and sauces. weighs or measures designated ingredients.

• Carry pans, kettles, and trays of food to and from workstations, stove, and refrigerator.

• Stores foods in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements and food spoilage.

• Clean and sanitize kitchen and commons area(s), equipment and utensils, segregates and removes garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers.

• Distributes supplies, utensils, and portable equipment, using hand truck.

• Assists in inventory of expendable and non-expendable supplies and materials.

• Operate kitchen equipment including dishwasher, slicer, mixer, etc.

• Know and follow all safety and sanitary rules and regulations related to food handling.

• Works towards meeting performance standard goals.

• Follows CDSS plan and Code of Conduct system daily.

• Adheres to required property control policies and procedures.

• Maintains good housekeeping/sanitation in all areas and complies with safety practices.

• Complies with all DOL guidelines, OFCCP regulation, Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) Bizzell’s policies and procedures, Job Corps notices and bulletins, and Center policies and procedures.

• Demonstrates and abides by The Bizzell Group’s core values and operating principles.

• Models, mentors, and monitors appropriate career success skills.

• Helps students become more employable through continuous reinforcement.

• Participation in PRH mandated staff training is mandatory. Failure to participate may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Performance Standards/Results

Effective Communication

• Presents information both clearly and concisely and regularly confirms correct interpretation of information.

• Very high standard of communication skills both written and verbal for the presentation of facts and ideas.

• Shows professional non-verbal body language and actively listens to others.


Organization of Work

• Action oriented. Demonstrates the ability to handle several projects simultaneously with decision making, flexibility, and problem solving.

• Implements the key principles of time management, task allocation and priority assignment in addition to personal organization.

• Shows attention to detail and ability to complete work with the highest level of accuracy and efficiency.

• Continually seek ways to improve employment service provided via development of professional skills and personal growth.


Professionalism

• Demonstrates professional interpersonal skills when interacting with others. Abides by The Bizzell Group’s Healthy Workplace Environment policy.

• Acts as team player and builds professional relationships with coworkers to achieve goals.


Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Knowledge of basic sanitation and cleaning procedures.

Ability to work under direction of senior personnel.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

High level of organization, interpersonal, and communication skills.


Experience

One to three months food service/preparation or related experience.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

NRA Food Service Sanitation or equivalent/Serve Safe. Valid State Driver’s License.


Physical Demands

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; to reach with hands, arms, talk, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to sit; to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; to taste and to smell. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision capabilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. Physical stamina required for a full shift of working in an industrial kitchen.


Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in this work environment is moderate to loud.