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Garbage Helper Jobs in Dubuque, IA (NOW HIRING)

Southwest Health

Food Service Worker

Platteville, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Knowledge of MS Office, Electronic Medical Record, and food purveyor software helpful Work Hours ... garbage and recyclables frequently during the day. * Attends meetings and in-services programs as ...

Waste Connections

CDL Driver - $5,000 BONUS

Galena, IL · On-site

$28/hr

Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ... us help you save for your future * Healthcare; Medical, Dental, Vision * Perks, perks, perks!

Hy-Vee Food Stores

Dishroom Clerk

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

... helpful service to customers who call including taking customer orders * Works with co-workers as a team to ensure customer satisfaction and a pleasant work environment * Takes the department garbage ...

HyVee

Dishroom Clerk

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

... helpful service to customers who call including taking customer orders * Works with co-workers as a team to ensure customer satisfaction and a pleasant work environment * Takes the department garbage ...

Aramark

Food Service Worker - Loras College

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Maintain garbage collection site and kitchen floor areas in a neat and sanitary fashion * Perform ... is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at connect with us on ...

Aramark

Food Service Worker - Loras College

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Maintain garbage collection site and kitchen floor areas in a neat and sanitary fashion * Perform ... helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on ...

Aramark

Food Service Worker - Loras College

Dubuque, IA

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Maintain garbage collection site and kitchen floor areas in a neat and sanitary fashion * Perform ... is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at connect with us on ...

HyVee

Pharmacy Clerk

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... Clean the pharmacy, empty garbage, and remove trash in a timely manner to ensure a clean and ...

HyVee

Fast and Fresh Clerk

Dubuque, IA · On-site

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... Equipment Used to Perform Job Telephone, fax, copier, pallet jacks, garbage disposal, trash ...

HyVee

Produce Clerk

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... Knives, wrapping machine, cash register, pallet jack, garbage disposal, trash compactor, cardboard ...

Hy-Vee, Inc.

Delicatessen Clerk

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... machine, garbage disposal, trash compactor, cardboard compactor, box cutter, slicer, scales ...

Hy-Vee Food Stores

Delicatessen Clerk

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... machine, garbage disposal, trash compactor, cardboard compactor, box cutter, slicer, scales ...

Hy-Vee, Inc.

Produce Clerk

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... Knives, wrapping machine, cash register, pallet jack, garbage disposal, trash compactor, cardboard ...

HyVee

Fast and Fresh Clerk

Dubuque, IA · On-site

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... Equipment Used to Perform Job Telephone, fax, copier, pallet jacks, garbage disposal, trash ...

HyVee

Delicatessen Clerk

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is ... machine, garbage disposal, trash compactor, cardboard compactor, box cutter, slicer, scales ...

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All JobsGarbage Helper JobsGarbage Helper Jobs in Dubuque, IA

Garbage Helper information

See Dubuque, IA salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Dubuque, IA is $16.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.61 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 near Dubuque, IA are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities near Dubuque, IA with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

Garbage Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Dubuque, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,413 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Food Service Worker

Southwest Health

Platteville, WI • On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Requirements
  • No specific prior education or experience required
  • Certification with the State of Wisconsin for food protection policies preferred
  • Experience with standard kitchen equipment - steamers, steam table, robot coupe, ovens, stoves, dish machines, slicers, etc. preferred
  • Knowledge of MS Office, Electronic Medical Record, and food purveyor software helpful

Work Hours
  • We are seeking a casual (fill in as needed) Food Service Worker to work evenings, 3:30 PM- 7:30 PM.

Job Summary
Portions food and fluids for the patients, cafeteria guests, vending machine patrons, and special function guests. Serves patients in the patient room. Prepares a variety of food items for the vending machines. Cleans and sanitizes dishes, service areas, pots/pans and floors daily. Provides the appropriate food (therapeutic and texture modified) for each patient on the meal tray.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.
  1. Completes the food portioning for patients, residents, cafeteria and/or vending program patrons, and special function guests.
  2. Maintains sanitary and safe food practices during the food preparation and service functions.
  3. Takes orders and communicates basic information regarding the food service program to new residents/patients.
  4. Cleans and sanitizes dishes, cooking equipment, service areas within the department and in the dining room/cafeteria/vending area.
  5. Cleans and sanitizes the entire department - floors, walls, ceilings, and equipment, empties the garbage and recyclables frequently during the day.
  6. Attends meetings and in-services programs as directed, or as needed, and may include attendance at continuing education meetings.
  7. Assists with training new employees in the department.
  8. Maintains clean work environment by cleaning and sanitizing work areas, sweeping and mopping floors, and throwing out garbage.
  9. Adheres to Southwest Health's value-based behavior standards.
  10. Understands and adheres to Southwest Health compliance and HIPAA standards as they appear in the Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
  11. Performs other duties and responsibilities as requested or required.

Contact Information
Southwest Health
Attn: Human Resources
1400 Eastside Rd
Platteville, WI 53818
Phone: (608) 342-0998
Email: hr@southwesthealth.org
Fax: (608) 342-5015
We believe that together we can change lives, and we anticipate your life will change in the process. If you aspire to help others find hope and live better, we invite you to submit your application below.
Benefits
Southwest Health is truly an outstanding place to work. A full benefit package is available for employees working 20 hours/week or greater which includes: Health, Dental, Vision and Life insurance. Also available are long and short term disability, cell phone discount, flexible spending plan, paid time off, retirement plan with an employer contribution, fitness membership discount as well as use of exercise equipment at the facility.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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