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Garbage Helper Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Waste Pro

Residential Helper

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and ...

Waste Pro

Residential Helper

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and ...

Waste Pro

Residential Helper

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and ...

Waste Connections

Driver Helper

Crossville, TN · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our Driver Helper will work directly with the Truck Driver to ensure safe and proper garbage removal on the assigned route. We seek individuals with a leadership mentality and desire to grow with ...

Waste Connections of Canada

Driver Helper

Crossville, TN

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our Driver Helper will work directly with the Truck Driver to ensure safe and proper garbage removal on the assigned route. We seek individuals with a leadership mentality and desire to grow with ...

Waste Connections Inc

Driver Helper

Crossville, TN

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our Driver Helper will work directly with the Truck Driver to ensure safe and proper garbage removal on the assigned route. We seek individuals with a leadership mentality and desire to grow with ...

Waste Connections Inc

Driver Helper

Oak Ridge, TN

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our Driver Helper will work directly with the Truck Driver to ensure safe and proper garbage removal on the assigned route. We seek individuals with a leadership mentality and desire to grow with ...

New

Waste Connections of Canada

Driver Helper

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our Driver Helper will work directly with the Truck Driver to ensure safe and proper garbage removal on the assigned route. We seek individuals with a leadership mentality and desire to grow with ...

New

Home Town Disposal

Helper - Memphis

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Helper Location: Memphis, Tennessee (onsite) About Greenmark Waste Solutions Based in the Dallas ... Ride on a garbage truck to assist Drivers servicing customers - bringing refuse bags, carts, and ...

Greenmark Waste Solutions

Helper - Memphis

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Helper Location: Memphis, Tennessee (onsite) About Greenmark Waste Solutions Based in the Dallas ... Ride on a garbage truck to assist Drivers servicing customers - bringing refuse bags, carts, and ...

Avanta Staffing Solutions LLC

Be Seen First

CDL Class B Garbage Truck Driver

Memphis, TN · On-site

$25/hr

Safely operate a commercial garbage truck on assigned local routes. * Perform pre-trip and post ... Work closely with helpers to complete routes efficiently. * Follow all DOT regulations and company ...

Waste Connections Inc

$11.50 - $14/hr

Waste Connections is looking for a safety conscience Driver Helper to join our growing team in ... Ability to safely operate on and around a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste.

Waste Connections of Canada

$11.50 - $14/hr

Waste Connections is looking for a safety conscience Driver Helper to join our growing team in ... Ability to safely operate on and around a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste.

Greenmark Waste Solutions

Helper - Memphis

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Helper Location: Memphis, Tennessee (onsite) About Greenmark Waste Solutions Based in the Dallas ... Ride on a garbage truck to assist Drivers servicing customers - bringing refuse bags, carts, and ...

Waste Pro

Residential Driver-Nashville TN!

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

The Waste Pro Residential Driver operates refuse collection vehicles on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. Oversees work of helpers assisting on assigned ...

Career Strategies - Nashville

Be Seen First

Apartment Maintenance Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Appliances - help with installation of W&D, stoves (when applicable), installing garbage disposals, small repairs * Technicians should be courteous to residents and provide realistic expectations for ...

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All JobsGarbage Helper JobsGarbage Helper Jobs in Tennessee

Garbage Helper information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Tennessee is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $17.88 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 Tennessee are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

Garbage Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,123 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Residential Helper

Waste Pro

Clarksville, TN • On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Waste Pro rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Picks up solid waste and places it in the back of a rear load garbage truck on specified routes often done manually or by pushing toter to tipper. Lifts and carries trash bags, bulk items and containers to the truck for disposal. Climbs onto and off of the rear truck step to load refuse, waste and carts. Operates packing mechanism to compact waste into the truck.
2. Provides a safe and Distinguishably Different level of service through courteous and expeditious customer service in all aspects of refuse operation to the general public and customers. Exhibits a positive attitude towards company, customer and municipal goals.
3. Ensures garbage and recyclables at residences are picked up and transferred properly; pick up may require using back door.
4. Answers questions for residents and directs them to contact Customer Service or appropriate government office for additional information.
5. Must comply with all ANSI (American National Standards Institute), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and company safety polices including Waste Pro Absolute Guidelines.
6. Assists Driver in safely backing up the truck by directing the Driver from the ground.
7. Cleans behind the compactor blade with shovel and hoe when directed. Sprays and cleans the hopper and truck at the end of each shift or as needed.
8. Reports any safety or customer service related issues to driver and supervisor, immediately.
9. Performs a variety of manual duties in the clean-up of scattered refuse; Cleans up the area around accidental waste spills and ensures customers containers are replaced properly.
10. May be required to work during emergency situations.
11. Assists other routes as needed to complete daily work.
12. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Employees in this job classification must attend and participate in corporation sponsored training courses as assigned.
* Employees in this job classification are responsible for keeping up to date on current technology, as job appropriate, being used by Waste Pro .
* Any additional job duties that may be assigned by the Supervisor.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in a variety of environment conditions, including wide temperature and weather variations including heat, cold, snow, rain, wind; noise and vibrations, fumes, odors and dust.
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Be able to follow safe operating practices.
* Be able to learn and use interpersonal skills relating to good customer service
* Be able and willing to work in a team environment
* Be able to read, write and comprehend reports well enough to complete daily assignments.
Special Considerations/Physical Work Requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
1. Physically able to push or pull independently (unassisted) 50 pounds between 800 and 1000 times a day
2. Physically able to lift independently (unassisted) 50 pounds from the ground to waist height between 800 and 1000 times a day
3. Physically able to get up and down from the cab of a commercial motor vehicle between 800 and 1000 times a day
4. Physically able to bend at the waist and knees between 800 and 1000 times a day
5. Physically able to work 8 to 12 hours in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain and snow)
6. Ability to ride on the outside of the truck while servicing residential customers in low MPH areas.

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