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Garbage Helper Jobs in Markham, IL (NOW HIRING)

Steward

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

You'll work with an incredibly diverse set of coworkers driven by their enthusiasm for helping ... Removes all garbage. Requirements * Must be 21 years of age. * High School Diploma or equivalent ...

Greenskeeper III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.40 - $19/hr

Help maintain a clean, organized shop area * Assure proper disposal of all garbage found on the golf course * Mows greens, aprons, fairways, rough, tees, and other areas * Perform other duties as ...

Barback

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.80/hr

Job Summary Keep dining area clean and help bartenders with any stocking and cleaning as needed ... Garbage disposals * Garnishing tools * Ice dispensers * Non-carbonated beverage dispenser * Soft ...

Steward

East Chicago, IN

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

You'll work with an incredibly diverse set of coworkers driven by their enthusiasm for helping ... Removes all garbage. * Must be 21 years of age. * High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Showing results 41-60

Garbage Helper information

See Markham, IL salary details

$8

$16

$21

How much do garbage helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage helper in Markham, IL is $16.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $18.65 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 Markham, IL are hiring for Garbage Helper jobs?

Cities near Markham, IL with the most Garbage Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage Helper job openings in Markham, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,556 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Introduction...

Overview

We’re always looking for talent that believes in having fun. At PENN Entertainment, you’ll get to be a part of an exciting industry, where the days and nights are fast paced. You’ll work with an incredibly diverse set of coworkers driven by their enthusiasm for helping people find and have more fun. You’ll also get to work at a company that cares about your career growth and will help you get the support you need to expand your possibilities.

Initial placement within the salary range is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our competitive Total Rewards package, which includes wellness programs designed to support our team members' financial, physical, and mental well-being. Specific benefits—such as day-one medical coverage, 401(k) matching, and annual performance bonus—may vary by position. Paid time off is earned according to the local policy and increases with the length of employment.

Click HERE to discover how we empower team members to grow, thrive, and advance in their careers.

Responsibilities

  • Works as a member of a dishwashing crew, ensuring soiled items are placed in proper racks or containers which carry them through a dishwashing machine.
  • Inspects, removes, and properly stores all clean items from the dishwashing machine.
  • Washes steam kettles, tilt fryers, and food preparation equipment too large to put in dishwashing machines.
  • Washes pots, pans, and traps; maintains neat appearance of working areas and cleaning equipment storage areas.
  • Supplies dishware to food preparation stations as needed; removes soiled dishware and cooking equipment from food preparation stations.
  • Keeps work area (floor, machine, shelving, carts, etc.) clean at all times.
  • Performs miscellaneous duties, such as polishing silver, working in storeroom, and preparing for banquets, special events, etc., as assigned.
  • Maintains organization and ensures proper rack stacking, silver presoaking, and operation of dish machine.
  • Ensures proper set-up, breakdown, and maintenance of all special events.
  • Performs special cleaning projects as assigned.
  • Trains new Stewards as required.
  • Cleans ovens, hoods, filters, drains, hot boxes, steam tables, flat boxes, and ceiling vents, according to schedule or as needed.
  • Responsible for sweeping and mopping floors; keeps floors clean and dry; picks up wet spills immediately.
  • Uses proper measurements of detergent and sanitizer in the dish machine. Breaks down, cleans, and sanitizes the dish machine at the end of a shift.
  • Restocks all dishes, glassware, utensils, pots, and pans. Removes all garbage.

Requirements

  • Must be 21 years of age.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Six (6) months of experience in stewarding, kitchen maintenance, kitchen operations, or similar role required. Knowledge of Food and Beverage service operation is preferred.
  • Ability to operate dish machines according to company and manufacturer specifications.