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Garbage Helper Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Cook Helper

Prestonsburg, KY · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Responsible to help keep the dining and kitchen area clean and organized. Notify staff of items ... Clean kitchen and commons area(s), equipment and utensils, segregates and removes garbage, and ...

We are looking for a self-motivated, driven individual to help keep our state of the art facility ... out garbage, cleaning mirrors, cleaning garbage cans, etc. Full-time position. Monday-Friday.

Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ... Competitive Compensation * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future * Heal ...

CDL Driver

Lily, KY · On-site

$21/hr

Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ... Competitive Compensation ($21.00) * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future ...

CDL Driver

Lily, KY · On-site

$21/hr

Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ... Competitive Compensation ($21.00) * 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future ...

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Garbage Helper information

See Kentucky salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Kentucky is $15.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.12 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 cities in Kentucky are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,696 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

$17 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

We have an exciting new job opportunity for you at the Carl D Perkins Job Corps Center!We are currently seeking energetic, talented applicants! At Insights Training Group LLC, we see every day as a chance to create a positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusiveness, service, integrity, community, and family.Come join our amazing team!
  • We offer a competitive salary and a full comprehensive benefit package to full-time employees:
  • Medical - 3 Tier Options
  • Health Savings Account
  • Live Health Online•
  • Dental• Vision•
  • Employer Paid Life and AD&D
  • 1 x annual Earnings•
  • Employer Paid Short-term Disability
  • Employer Paid Long-term Disability
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401K - Safe Harbor match of 100% up to 3% of pay and then 50% on the next 2% of pay
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Sick Time• Vacation Time
  • 12 Paid Holidays

"Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities."
DEPARTMENT: Food Services
REPORTS TO: Food Services Manager
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
Job Summary: Assists the cooks and Food Services Manager in preparing, serving, and sanitation of the dining facility, equipment, and surfaces.
Duties:
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.
Carries pans, kettles, and trays of food to and from work stations, stove, and refrigerator.
Stores foods in designated areas, utilizing knowledge of temperature requirements and food spoilage.
Clean 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.
Complies with all DOL guidelines, OFCCP regulation, Job Corps notices and bulletins, and Center policies and procedures.
Models, mentors, and monitors appropriate career success skills.
Participation in PRH mandated staff training is mandatory.
Performs other duties as assigned within the individual's scope and capabilities.
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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level can vary from moderate to loud.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience: High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) and three months related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior experience in food service strongly preferred. NRA Food Service Sanitation or equivalent/Serve Safe.
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 and stand and walk; to reach with hands and arms and 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 move 25 pounds. capabilities this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be requested to perform other reasonable related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that the job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. It is also understood that the company reserves the right to change work schedules as required, including overtime.