1

Garbage Helper Jobs in Dubuque, IA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Housekeeper

Platteville, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and garbage to appropriate areas. * Maintains a safe and clean environment and ensures that ... If you aspire to help others find hope and live better, we invite you to submit your application ...

BASIC FUNCTION: To perform daily cleaning and minor maintenance duties that help ensure the ... Removes trash and garbage from building to outside waste containers and cleans same. * Loads and ...

Showing results 21-33

Garbage Helper information

See Dubuque, IA salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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:

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.

Fast and Fresh Clerk

HyVee

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Hy-Vee rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,664 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 122 rated grocery stores


Job description

Additional Considerations (if any):

Must be 18+

-

At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Description:

Job Title: Fast & Fresh Clerk

Department: Fast & Fresh

FLSA: Non-Exempt

General Function

Provides prompt, efficient and friendly customer service. Operates cash register accurately and scans product. Ensures cleanliness of store, quality and quantity of product, and tends to supply needs in the store and at the pumps.

Core Competencies

  • Partnerships
  • Growth mindset
  • Results oriented
  • Customer focused
  • Professionalism

Reporting Relations

Accountable and Reports to: District Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Manager of; Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home; Fast & Fresh Department Manager; Assistant Fast & Fresh Department Manager

Positions that Report to you: None

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provides prompt, efficient and friendly customer service by exhibiting caring, concern and patience in all customer interactions and treating customers as the most important people in the store.
  • Smiles and greets customers in a friendly manner, whether the encounter takes place in the employee's designated department or elsewhere in the store.
  • Makes an effort to learn customers' names and to address them by name whenever possible.
  • Assists customers by: (examples include)
    • escorting them to the products they're looking for
    • securing products that are out of reach
    • loading or unloading heavy items
    • making note of and passing along customer suggestions or requests
    • performing other tasks in every way possible to enhance the shopping experience.
  • Answers the telephone promptly and provides friendly, helpful service to customers who call.
  • Works with co-workers as a team to ensure customer satisfaction and a pleasant work environment.
  • Operates cash register accurately and scans product, (where applicable) and reports improper cash levels in cash drawer.
  • Redeems promotional coupons, food stamps, receives cash, checks, completes credit-card charge transactions, in-store charges and figures discounts, as well as, counts back change and issues receipts.
  • Places merchandise in bags or boxes and gives packages to customers.
  • Assists with inventory of the department.
  • Receives and checks in delivered merchandise and places in appropriate storage area. Fills displays and stocks shelves.
  • Ensures proper maintenance of lot; shovels sidewalk of snow, spreads ice melt on ice, hoses down lot.
  • Fills outside towel holders, and replenishes or refreshes window washer fluid.
  • Removes trash inside and out in a timely manner.
  • Checks in product, puts product away, and may review invoices.
  • Understands and practices proper sanitation procedures and ensures the work area is always clean and neat.
  • Cleans but not limited to registers, restrooms, break room; backroom, sweeps and mops the floor, and tends to supply needs.
  • Maintains strict adherence to department and company guidelines related to personal hygiene and dress.
  • Adheres to company policies and individual store guidelines.
  • Reports to work when scheduled and on time.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Orders merchandise and supplies as needed.
  • Prices products for customers as necessary.
  • Performs other job-related duties and special projects as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Worker Characteristics

  • Must have the ability to solve practical problems; variety of variables with limited standardization; interpret instructions.
  • Ability to do arithmetic calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages.
  • Must have the ability to file, post, and mail materials; copy data from one record to another; interview to obtain basic information; guide people and provide basic direction.

Education and Experience

No education or experience requirements.

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to physically perform medium work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 20 pounds of force frequently, and 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Visual requirements include vision from less than 20 inches to more than 20 feet with or without correction, depth perception, color vision, and field of vision.
  • Must be able to perform the following physical activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Working Conditions

This position is frequently exposed to temperature extremes and dampness. There are possible equipment movement hazards, electrical shock, and exposure to cleaning chemicals and solvents. This is a fast paced work environment.

Equipment Used to Perform Job

Telephone, fax, copier, pallet jacks, garbage disposal, trash compactor, cardboard compactor, box cutter, knives, computer, calculator, frozen juice machine, coffee maker, cash register, RPM, gas pumps.

Contacts

Has daily contact with customers, co-workers, suppliers/vendors, and the general public.

Are you ready to smile, apply today.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.


What Hy-Vee employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Hy-Vee logo

About Hy-Vee

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hy-Vee, based in West Des Moines, IA, US, operates within the supermarket industry. Founded in 1930 by Charles Hyde and David Vredenburg, the company began as a small general store in Beaconsfield, Iowa. Over the years, Hy-Vee has evolved into a network of more than 245 supermarkets across 8 states in the Midwest. They offer a wide range of products and services, including grocery, bakery items, delicatessen, floral, and other specialty departments. With a company motto of “A helpful smile in every aisle”, Hy-Vee's mission is to make each customer's life easier, healthier, and happier. They have received several awards for their commitment to healthy living, customer service and community outreach.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1930