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Garbage Helper Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized. * Notify staff of items ... garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers. * Distributes supplies, utensils, and ...

Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized. * Notify staff of items ... garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers. * Distributes supplies, utensils, and ...

Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized. * Notify staff of items ... garbage, and steam-cleans or hoses garbage containers. * Distributes supplies, utensils, and ...

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Garbage Helper information

See Connecticut salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Connecticut is $16.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.75 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 Connecticut?

The most popular types of Garbage jobs in Connecticut are:

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,717 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Class B Swing Garbage Truck Driver

Interstate Waste Services

Shelton, CT • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 26 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

79th of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description

CDL B Swing Garbage Truck Drivers

Interstate Waste Services is now hiring CDL B Swing Garbage Truck Drivers in Shelton, CT! Safety is our first priority. Pay ranges from $25.00 to $32.00 per hour. One year experience driving multiple different garbage trucks is required. Must be able to drive a manual transmission.

To be considered, include a resume or list job history when applying.

Highlights:

  • Monday thru Friday with occasional Saturday hours
  • Early start time - 4am or 5am
  • Hourly pay - $25.00 - $32.00
  • Year round-steady work
  • Full benefits packet with paid time off
  • 1 year verifiable CDL driving experience within the last 7 years required

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut markets with a rail-served landfill in Ohio. IWS is committed to delivering high-quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers and communities. We cater to a diverse range of industrial, medical and commercial/residential customers.

Founded in 1998, IWS has grown over the years through acquisitions, many of which were family-owned businesses that remain a part of our team today. We're proud to combine the resources of a large company with the values and care of a family-run business.

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.

  • Drivers are responsible for safely operating front, side, or rear-loading trucks, for the pick-up service of bags or containers filled with waste or recyclable material. Drivers transport the material to a disposal, transfer or recycle facility, and may make one or more trips throughout the shift
  • Drivers transport the material to a disposal, transfer or recycling facility, & may make one or more trips throughout the shift
  • We deploy both manual & automatic trucks
  • The driver position may be required to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds, & move & maneuver up to 100 pounds, as well as mount & dismount the truck multiple times every route
Requirements and Qualifications

Requirements:

  • 21 years of age & legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Valid Class A or B CDL
  • Airbrake endorsement
  • 1-year CDL driving experience in the last 7 years
  • Great safety record and clean MVR
  • Experience as a driver or helper for a refuge company is highly preferred
  • Working knowledge of DOT, OSHA & applicable traffic regulations
  • Ability to speak & read English to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic & signals, respond to official questions & make legible entries on reports & records
  • Read & understand a map
  • Meet physical & safety requirements of the position
  • Willing & able to work required worked hours as allowed under DOT regulation & may include weekend, night &/or holiday work

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 $25.00/Hr.

Salary Range Maximum

USD $32.00/Hr.


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