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Garbage Helper Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Border Grill

Dishwasher/Utility

Negaunee, MI · On-site

$14/hr

Help with taking out garbage and recycling as needed. * Keep dish area clean and organized Fresh ingredients, marinated and grilled meats, made from scratch items and and open kitchen create a ...

FJH Investment Company

Busser

Birmingham, MI

While also helping keep the service running in smooth fashion. Your primary duties are cleaning ... Bring tableware to dish area, when possible assist dishwasher by clearing food into garbage and ...

FJH Investment Company

Busser

Southfield, MI

While also helping keep the service running in smooth fashion. Your primary duties are cleaning ... Bring tableware to dish area, when possible assist dishwasher by clearing food into garbage and ...

FJH Investment Company

Busser

Grosse Pointe, MI

While also helping keep the service running in smooth fashion. Your primary duties are cleaning ... Bring tableware to dish area, when possible assist dishwasher by clearing food into garbage and ...

Kingsbury Country Day School

Full-Time Custodian

Oxford, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

It is the mission of Kingsbury Country Day School to help every child reach their maximum potential ... Keeps the grounds free from rubbish. * Maintains all floors in a clean and attractive condition.

Ironwood Grill

Dishwasher

Plymouth, MI

$16/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 ...

Copper Athletic Club

Dishwasher

Marshall, MI · On-site

$11 - $14/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 ...

Resthaven

Dishwasher

Holland, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15/hr

We'll help you learn, support your success, and surround you with people who believe in service ... garbage to designated containers. ✔ Clean work areas, dining room, equipment, walls, cabinets ...

Zeeland Public Schools

Food Service Associate

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$16.26 - $20.53/hr

Collects and places garbage and trash in designated containers as appropriate to the area of ... is helpful. * Must have computer knowledge and be able to scan student's ID cards or run point of ...

Resthaven

Dishwasher

Holland, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15/hr

We'll help you learn, support your success, and surround you with people who believe in service ... garbage to designated containers. Clean work areas, dining room, equipment, walls, cabinets ...

Resthaven

Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$13.25 - $15/hr

We'll help you learn, support your success, and surround you with people who believe in service ... garbage to designated containers. Clean work areas, dining room, equipment, walls, cabinets ...

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All JobsGarbage Helper JobsGarbage Helper Jobs in Michigan

Garbage Helper information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Michigan is $15.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.16 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 Michigan are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

Garbage Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,808 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Dishwasher/Utility

Border Grill

Negaunee, MI • On-site

$14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Dishwasher/Utility - Immediate Hiring

Border Grill Negaunee is hiring a dishwasher or utility person. Border Grill is a fun place to work that offers a great environment for all of our people. Come join us and be a part of a brand that has been serving the U.P. for over 25 years.

Dishwasher/Utility Job Perks:

  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401k with matching
  • Employee discount
  • Referral program
  • Paid training

Dishwasher/Utility Responsibilities:

  • Keep dishes washed and cleaned and put them in the correct storage space
  • Help with taking out garbage and recycling as needed.
  • Keep dish area clean and organized

Fresh ingredients, marinated and grilled meats, made from scratch items and and open kitchen create a friendly, caring service environment that have been the cornerstones of our success.
Border Grill was founded in 1997 with the goal of bringing a fresher, healthier alternative to the restaurant spectrum in Marquette. Clearly, the market was ready for \real\ food in our \fast-casual\ format, as we have grown to four locations serving the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is very gratifying for all of us at Border Grill to hear the passion that our guest have about our restaurants.