1

Garbage Helper Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Helper

Michigan City, IN · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

Transport garbage from all kitchen areas (kitchen storerooms, walk-ins, and other designated assigned areas) * Clean and polish silver, flatware and brass in all areas as needed * Deep cleaning and ...

Kitchen Helper

Michigan City, IN · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

Transport garbage from all kitchen areas (kitchen storerooms, walk-ins, and other designated assigned areas) * Clean and polish silver, flatware and brass in all areas as needed * Deep cleaning and ...

Cleaner - 2nd Shift (3pm-11pm)

Muncie, IN · On-site

$13 - $15.25/hr

At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry ... Clean all offices, vacuum floors, sweep & mop, empty and clean garbage containers, and empty ...

Borden Hauling has an immediate opening for a Residential Garbage Truck Driver at our location in ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Front Load Driver

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Borden Hauling has an immediate opening for a Front Load Garbage Truck Driver at our location in ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Front Load Driver

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Borden Hauling has an immediate opening for a Front Load Garbage Truck Driver at our location in ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Front Load Driver

Borden, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Borden Haulinghas an immediate opening for a Front Load Garbage Truck Driver at our location in ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Waste Away / Waste Connections has an immediate opening for a Residential Garbage Truck Driver at ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Waste Away / Waste Connections has an immediate opening for a Residential Garbage Truck Driver at ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Borden Hauling has an immediate opening for a Residential Garbage Truck Driver at our location in ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Waste Away / Waste Connections has an immediate opening for a Residential Garbage Truck Driver at ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Front Load Driver

Borden, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Borden Haulinghas an immediate opening for a Front Load Garbage Truck Driver at our location in ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Janitorial Cleaner-Lafayette

Lafayette, IN

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

... to help keep our building clean and safe. You will work on your own and complete your cleaning tasks each shift. Job Duties * Sweep and mop floors. * Empty garbage and recycling bins. * Clean ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Garbage Helper information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Indiana is $16.70, 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 Indiana?

The most popular types of Garbage jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $34,727 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The Helper is responsible for working with the driver of the truck to assist in refuse collection.
Reports To
Operations Manager
  • Ride along with driver to help pick up refuse on route
  • Read maps, diagrams and route sheet in order to follow a designated daily route
  • Ability to operate controls and collection equipment
  • Complete daily vehicle inspections, fueling and fluid level checks
  • Complete required daily service tickets and reports
  • Report any mechanical programs with equipment
  • Complete daily reports, logs, load/yardage, and load ticket receipts
  • Other duties as assigned

  • Legally eligible to work in the United States.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must not have any license suspensions within the last 2 years.
  • No more than 3 moving violations within the last 2 years.
  • Must successfully complete pre-employment testing.
  • Must be able to read and speak the English language well enough to communicate, understand, and respond to questions, directions, traffic signs, signals, and safety training.

Physical Demands / Environmental Factors
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear
  • Occasionally required to stand and walk
  • Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
  • Exposure to residential and commercial waste.
  • Possible exposure to high traffic conditions while outside of the vehicle.