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Garbage Helper Jobs in Elizabeth, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Project Find

Maintenance Worker

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18.91/hr

... that help individuals navigate the challenges of aging by encouraging community engagement and ... Removes garbage from trash cans and compactor and takes garbage out for pickup based on the ...

Pistilli Management

Porter

Queens, NY · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

About the Company We are seeking a committed, dependable, and trustworthy Janitor/Porter to help ... Lift and carry garbage bags and other materials weighing 50 pounds or more * Perform floor ...

VPH Management Services LLC

Porter

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Take out the garbage and separate the recyclables in accordance with Sanitation Department ... Clean the windows throughout the building * Assist the Superintendent when he needs help performing ...

Gjelina Group

Dishwasher- Gjelina NYC

Manhattan, NY

$18 - $20/hr

Ensures proper garbage and trash disposal and removal. Assists with kitchen preparation, if ... Help with consolidation of products. * Works with shipping and receiving in stocking / organizing ...

Gjelina Group

Dishwasher- Gjelina NYC

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Ensures proper garbage and trash disposal and removal. Assists with kitchen preparation, if ... Help with consolidation of products. * Works with shipping and receiving in stocking / organizing ...

Gjelina Group

Dishwasher- Gjelina NYC

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Ensures proper garbage and trash disposal and removal. Assists with kitchen preparation, if ... Help with consolidation of products. * Works with shipping and receiving in stocking / organizing ...

Gjelina Group

Dishwasher - Gjelina NYC

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Ensures proper garbage and trash disposal and removal. Assists with kitchen preparation, if ... Help with consolidation of products.Works with shipping and receiving in stocking / organizing and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGarbage Helper JobsGarbage Helper Jobs in Elizabeth, NJ

Garbage Helper information

See Elizabeth, NJ salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Elizabeth, NJ is $17.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.86 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 are the most commonly searched types of Garbage jobs in Elizabeth, NJ?

The most popular types of Garbage jobs in Elizabeth, NJ are:

What cities near Elizabeth, NJ are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities near Elizabeth, NJ with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

Garbage Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Elizabeth, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,729 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Maintenance Worker

Project Find

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$18.91/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and trash removal in the building and designated areas.

  • Assist with preparing rooms for painting, installing furniture and appliances, and performing minor repairs like fixing locks and damage to walls.

  • Complete routine maintenance activities including replacing light bulbs, cleaning floors and windows, and cleaning elevator cabs and other interior surfaces.

Job description

Project FIND’s mission is to provide low- and moderate-income and homeless seniors with the services and support they need to enrich their lives and live independently. Today Project FIND operates four supportive housing residences that are home to about 600 people and four senior centers with over 3,000 members. Our members and residents range from the healthy and active to the frail and homebound to the homeless. For all these men and women, Project FIND is a critical resource, providing housing, meals, and programs that help individuals navigate the challenges of aging by encouraging community engagement and healthy living. Please visit our website at: www.projectfind.org.

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Director of Facilities Maintenance, the Maintenance Worker is responsible for the overall upkeep, cleanliness and maintenance of the building as well as other designated areas.


Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the building. This includes sweeping, mopping floors and stairs, dusting desks, tables, chairs and other furniture.
  • Strips, waxes, and buffs floors.
  • Removes garbage from trash cans and compactor and takes garbage out for pickup based on the sanitation schedule.
  • Maintains garbage rooms, trash cans and dumpsters in clean sanitary condition.
  • Sweeps and cleans sidewalks and planters, hoses sidewalk with pressure washer.
  • During the winter, remove snow and ice, and spread deicer to prevent slipping.
  • Cleans rooms by discarding old furniture, beds, and other debris.
  • Prepares rooms for painting, paints rooms and bathrooms.
  • Assists in turning over units so they are move-in ready.
  • Cleans and polishes floors, installs new furniture and appliances.
  • Cleaning of roof and awning.
  • Cleaning of halls, floors, and stairs.
  • Dusting hand rails and supports.
  • Cleaning hall side windows and sills.
  • Cleaning hall side baseboard and crowns.
  • Cleaning of walls and ceiling.
  • Cleaning daily interior elevator cabs, including floor and the outside doors.
  • Cleaning of the elevator pit when the elevator has been properly secured by contractor or other authorized personnel.
  • Cleaning of trash compactor, closets, hoppers, and slop sinks.
  • Closing of lobby floor, vestibule, and walls.
  • Dusting and wiping down lobby furniture.
  • Replace floor tiles and ceiling panels as needed.
  • Perform minor repairs such as broken locks, damage to walls, painting/plastering etc.
  • Emptying of wastepaper baskets, garbage cans and taking garbage out to street level.
  • Complete regular maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs.
  • Clean mirrors and glass. i.e., front door, bathrooms, bulletin boards, bookcases.
  • Maintains cleanliness of storage areas, lobbies, hallways, and bathrooms.

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED required and/or 2-4 years prior experience in a maintenance position (preferably with senior population but not required).
  • Experience working with tools, including hand and electrical devices.
  • Experience working with floor machines.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • General passion for creative problem-solving.
  • Tasks could involve moderate to heavy physical labor. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs.
  • Work may be conducted either inside or outside according to maintenance request.
  • Coverage and/or travel from one local site to another is required.
  • Walking, climbing, standing, sitting, and lifting are required.
  • Ability to read and utilize technical manuals and drawings.

Schedule:  Tuesday - Saturday 7:30am - 3:30pm.  Please note that this position requires the availability and flexibility to occasionally work some holidays.


Project FIND participates in E-Verify, which confirms employment authorization through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. The E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification.  E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.