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Garbage Helper Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

IHOP

Dish Machine Operator

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$12/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 ...

Waste Connections Inc

Local CDL Driver

Osage, IA

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

IHOP

Dishwasher

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$10 - $12/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 ...

IHOP

Dishwasher

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$10 - $12/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 ...

Waste Connections of Canada

Local CDL Driver

Osage, IA

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

Western Home Communities

Dishwasher

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Safely remove trash and garbage to the designated disposal area. * Follow food safety and ... Tuition Reimbursement to help you grow professionally. * Wellness Reimbursement to support your ...

New

Concrete Technologies, Inc.

Concrete Finisher

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

Help assist other crew members when needed. * Use and operate all tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner. * Always maintain jobsite clear from clutter and garbage. * Follow all safety ...

Reach For Your Potential

Support Staff

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

They help with daily routines, classroom activities, and supervision of indoor and outdoor play ... Sanitize equipment daily, take out garbage, sweep and mop floors, vacuum carpets, clean toilets ...

The Fountains Senior Living

Cook

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operation of kitchen appliances (dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, coffee maker, ice machine ... Willingness to learn and help others * Enjoyment in working with older adults #IND

Sanford Health

Cook - Part Time

Sheldon, IA

$12 - $16/hr

... garbage disposals, refrigerators and freezers. Possesses ability to work independently when ... If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with ...

Sanford Health

Cook - FT - Evenings

Algona, IA

$2.0K/wk

... garbage disposals, refrigerators and freezers. Possesses ability to work independently when ... If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with ...

Legacy Pointe Senior Living

Cook

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operation of kitchen appliances (dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, coffee maker, ice machine ... Willingness to learn and help others * Enjoyment in working with older adults #IND

Sanford Health

Cook - FT - Evenings

Algona, IA · On-site

$2.0K/wk

... garbage disposals, refrigerators and freezers. Possesses ability to work independently when ... If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsGarbage Helper JobsGarbage Helper Jobs in Iowa

Garbage Helper information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Iowa is $16.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.51 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 Iowa?

The most popular types of Garbage jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

Garbage Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,278 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Dish Machine Operator

IHOP

Urbandale, IA • On-site

$12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

IHOP rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

IHOP Dish Machine Operators (DMO) will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining dishware/utensils for the continued smooth operation of the restaurant. IHOP DMOs will also perform assigned sanitation and housekeeping tasks. DMO must have good communication skills and work well with others. This position requires you to stand for up to 8 hours during a shift, be able to lift at least and/or move up to 50 pounds, and have full mobility of hands and arms while performing repetitive tasks. IHOP DMOs are also required to perform duties necessary for restaurant operations as assigned by acting supervisor, following governmental and company policies. The above is not an all-inclusive job description.

Responsibilities of a Dishwasher::

Maintaining a clean and well-organized working environment

Bussing tables to collect soiled plates and flatware

Maintaining the availability of clean dishes at all times

Cleaning kitchen appliances and machines

Helping other team members to unload and store deliveries

Assist other staff members with tasks when the need arises

Adhere to food safety procedures and regulations

Taking out the trash

Rinsing garbage cans

Dishwasher Job Requirements::

Must have minimal work experience as a dishwasher

Must be proficient in operating with different types of dishes

Must know and follow all food safety procedures

Must carry at least a high school diploma or an equivalent

Must have communication skills

Must be able to prioritize tasks

Benefits:

Competitive Pay

Flexible Hours

Extensive Training

Real Advancement Opportunities

Since 1958, IHOP® has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. And no matter what menu items they order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile. We’ve seen millions of smiles over the years in our restaurants, and now shared in photos across our social properties. In fact, smiles are so much a part of our culture that we changed our logo to include one.
This is just one of the many fun and exciting changes you can expect from IHOP®. Because we know the shortest distance between two people is a smile. –

What IHOP employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

IHOP logo

About IHOP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The shortest distance between two people is a smile, so our logo changed to include one! Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. No matter what menu items they order, there's one ingredient that's always constant -- a smile.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

2003

View All IHOP Jobs