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Garbage Helper Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Dietary Aide

Jackson, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

Transport garbage to outdoor receptacle as needed. * Adhere to Standard Precautions and facility ... Maintain courteous, tactful, and helpful manner when dealing with residents, staff, and visitors.

... 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 ...

$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 ...

Dietary Aide

Clawson, MI · On-site

$16.10 - $20.10/hr

Transport garbage to outdoor receptacle as needed. * Adhere to Standard Precautions and facility ... Maintain courteous, tactful, and helpful manner when dealing with residents, staff, and visitors.

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 ...

Dishwasher

Novi, MI · On-site

$15/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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Dietary Aide

Jackson, MI · On-site

$13.73/hr

Transport garbage to outdoor receptacle as needed. * Adhere to Standard Precautions and facility ... Maintain courteous, tactful, and helpful manner when dealing with residents, staff, and visitors.

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Evening Cleaner

Bay City, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $13.75/hr

Empty garbage and recycling cans, replace bags, and transport trash to designated disposal areas ... Qualifications & Requirements Prior janitorial experience is helpful, but not required! We provide ...

Dietary Aide

Big Rapids, MI · On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

Transport garbage to outdoor receptacle as needed. * Adhere to Standard Precautions and facility ... Maintain courteous, tactful, and helpful manner when dealing with residents, staff, and visitors.

Dietary Aide

Clawson, MI · On-site

$16.10 - $20.10/hr

Transport garbage to outdoor receptacle as needed. * Adhere to Standard Precautions and facility ... Maintain courteous, tactful, and helpful manner when dealing with residents, staff, and visitors.

Evening Cleaner

Bay City, MI

$11.75 - $13.75/hr

Empty garbage and recycling cans, replace bags, and transport trash to designated disposal areas ... Qualifications & Requirements Prior janitorial experience is helpful, but not required! We provide ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

$12.75 - $16/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
Food and Nutrition aide is responsible for providing food service to residents, guests, and employees under sanitary conditions and for providing assistance in all dietary functions as directed and in accordance with established dietary policies and procedures. They assist in the cleaning and organization of the kitchen.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and serve salads and desserts using standardized recipes.
  • Set up trays quickly and accurately in a neat and attractive arrangement according to posted menu at food stations on central tray line.
  • Place foods, condiments, serving containers, dishes, silverware, etc., appropriate to meal and resident preferences on trays.
  • Carefully follow directions in serving modified diets, adhering to mealtime schedules, and following standardized recipes and methods of preparation. Adheres to specified portion controls.
  • Deliver cart with food trays to resident areas and assist with tray distribution, as required.
  • Return food carts from resident areas to the dishwashing area. Clear trays and wash soiled dishware.
  • Prepare appropriate snacks or special nourishments according to specifications and ensure delivery at proper time.
  • Maintain good personal hygiene and adhere to uniform requirements. Wear hairnet or hair cap in food service areas.
  • Clean work areas and equipment such as counter tops, steam table, coffee urn, and refrigerators.
  • Know and report potential sanitation safety hazards in the kitchen, dining room or other areas to the Director of Food and Nutrition Services, and equipment malfunctions to the Environmental Services Manager.
  • Transport garbage to outdoor receptacle as needed.
  • Adhere to Standard Precautions and facility Infection Control policies and procedures.
  • Adhere to the dietary cleaning schedules.
  • Maintain courteous, tactful, and helpful manner when dealing with residents, staff, and visitors.
  • Adhere to patient rights and maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
  • Store food items and supplies appropriately.
  • Attending staff meetings and in-service training courses as required.
  • Perform other duties and functions as required.
Required/Desired Qualifications:
Education, Training, and Experience:
  • Some previous experience as a waitress or food service worker is desirable.
Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities:
  • Able to read, write, and follow written and oral instructions including some calculations.
  • Basic knowledge of attractive food service, sanitation, and safety.
Other Special Requirements:
  • Manual dexterity required to operate modern office equipment.