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Garbage Picker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Areas Deutschland Holding GmbH

Utility

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21.25/hr

... pick up trash/ garbage and able to remove trash and garbage from dumpster. 5. Must notify the Manager anytime the dish machine or rinse cycle falls below safety standard temperatures. 6. Clean ...

Areas Hospitality USA

Utility

San Diego, CA · On-site

$21.25/hr

... pick up trash/ garbage and able to remove trash and garbage from dumpster. 5. Must notify the Manager anytime the dish machine or rinse cycle falls below safety standard temperatures. 6. Clean ...

The Grounds

Housekeeping/Janitorial Team

Roseville, CA · On-site

$17/hr

Remove garbage and recycling daily and prepare bins for weekly pick-up * Handle emergency cleaning and upkeep requests * Ensure rooms are maintained and fully equipped * Help out all other ...

Savers Thrift Stores

Logistics Manager

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Monitors the day-to-day activities of warehouse/logistics operations including shipping, receiving, picking and packing, garbage control, recycling, storage, seasonal back stock, loading unprocessed ...

The Reef

Dishwasher

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Regular and prolonged standing and walking to wash dishes, move garbage, etc. * Occasional ascending/descending stairs across the restaurant to deliver food, pick up dirty dishware, etc. * Repeating ...

J.F. Shea Family of Companies

$18.50/hr

Put garbage in designated containers, and steam clean or hose out garbage cans. * Sort bottles, and ... Wash and peel vegetables, set up banquet tables, load or unload trucks picking up or delivering ...

Savers Value Village

Logistics Manager

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Monitors the day-to-day activities of warehouse/logistics operations including shipping, receiving, picking and packing, garbage control, recycling, storage, seasonal back stock, loading unprocessed ...

The Reef

Dishwasher

Long Beach, CA

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Regular and prolonged standing and walking to wash dishes, move garbage, etc. * Occasional ascending/descending stairs across the restaurant to deliver food, pick up dirty dishware, etc. * Repeating ...

Kaweah Health

Food Services Worker I

Visalia, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Delivers and pick up patient carts to and from units. Sweeps and mops floors, washes work tables ... Disposes of garbage according to department standards. Keeps all work areas clean and orderly. COLD ...

Savers - US

Logistics Manager

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

Monitors the day-to-day activities of warehouse/logistics operations including shipping, receiving, picking and packing, garbage control, recycling, storage, seasonal back stock, loading unprocessed ...

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All JobsGarbage Picker JobsGarbage Picker Jobs in California

Garbage Picker information

See California salary details

$10

$16

$19

How much do garbage picker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage picker in California is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a garbage picker do?

Garbage pickers, also known as waste pickers or sanitation workers, are individuals who collect, sort, and remove waste materials from public and private spaces. Their main responsibility is to keep communities clean by picking up trash, recyclables, and sometimes hazardous materials from streets, parks, and other areas. Garbage pickers often help in separating recyclable items from general waste, contributing to environmental sustainability. This job can be physically demanding and requires attention to safety and hygiene. In many places, garbage pickers play a crucial role in waste management and recycling processes.

Is it hard to become a garbage picker?

Becoming a garbage picker generally requires minimal formal education and physical stamina, as the job involves collecting waste from designated areas. Some positions may require knowledge of safety procedures and the use of tools like grabbers or trucks, but overall, it is accessible with basic physical ability and adherence to safety guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a garbage picker?

To thrive as a Garbage Picker, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of waste sorting and safety procedures, often requiring no formal education but sometimes a high school diploma. Familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE), waste collection tools, and sometimes handheld data devices is typical in this role. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills that help individuals excel. These abilities ensure efficient, safe waste collection and contribute to public health and environmental cleanliness.

What is the difference between Garbage Picker vs Waste Collector?

AspectGarbage PickerWaste Collector
CredentialsNone typically requiredMay require a valid driver’s license
Work EnvironmentResidential or commercial areas, often manual laborOn-road, operating trucks, handling larger waste loads
Industry UsageCommonly used in local sanitation servicesUsed by municipal waste management companies

Garbage Picker and Waste Collector roles often overlap, but Waste Collectors usually operate larger vehicles and handle bigger waste loads, often requiring a driver’s license. Garbage Pickers typically perform manual collection in neighborhoods. Both roles are essential in waste management and share similar credentials and work environments, but Waste Collectors tend to have more responsibilities related to vehicle operation and larger-scale collection.

What are some common challenges faced by garbage pickers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Garbage pickers often encounter challenges such as exposure to hazardous materials, unpredictable weather conditions, and physically demanding tasks. To address these, employers typically provide protective gear, safety training, and guidelines for handling dangerous items. Teamwork and clear communication also play a key role in ensuring safety and efficiency while on route. Staying vigilant and following established protocols helps garbage pickers minimize risks and maintain a safer work environment.
What are popular job titles related to Garbage Picker jobs in California? For Garbage Picker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Picker jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Picker jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Garbage Picker jobs? Cities in California with the most Garbage Picker job openings:
Garbage Picker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Picker job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,760 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Utility

Areas Deutschland Holding GmbH

San Diego, CA • On-site

$21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Utility
Department: Operations
Reports To: Unit General Manager
Status: Non-Exempt
Salary: $21.25
Broad Functions: Responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards for glassware, tableware, cooking utensils, etc. using machine and manual cleaning methods. This position also ensures the dishwashing area is maintained as a clean, safe, and sanitary facility.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Maintain the cleanliness of floors, ceiling tiles, walls, windows, worktables, meat blocks, hoods, vents, grills, refrigerators, service counters, serving trays, and storage areas.
2. Sort and rinse dirty dishes, glass, tableware, and other utensils and place them in racks to send through dish machine.
3. Carry clean dishes to the cook's line and other proper storage area.
4. Able to pick up trash/ garbage and able to remove trash and garbage from dumpster.
5. Must notify the Manager anytime the dish machine or rinse cycle falls below safety standard temperatures.
6. Clean equipment using specific chemicals to meet sanitary standards; may include the use of heavy equipment and steam cleaning trash receptacles.
7. Load/unload supply trucks transferring between storage and work areas.
8. Stock, date, rotate and check the temperature of food items.
9. Organizes and places deliveries in their assigned place.
10. Maintain and clean dish machine during the day.
11. Other Duties as directed.
Skills and Qualifications:
1. A minimum of 6 months of experience working in a restaurant environment.
2. A high school diploma or equivalent preferred.
3. Proficient interpersonal relations and communication skills.
4. Verbal and written communication is essential. English language proficiency preferred.
5. Must be able to read labels and chemicals.
6. Must have knowledge of workplace safety procedures.
Benefits:
We offer full-time eligible employees affordable medical insurance, dental and vision benefits, along with a variety of voluntary insurance options. Our benefits package includes company-sponsored life insurance, a free employee assistance program, competitive paid time off, company holidays, and a 401k retirement plan with company match. Plus, enjoy access to discount programs for travel and entertainment and a location meal program. In addition, this position is eligible for overtime and overnight differentials.
EEOC Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, or veteran status.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to stand for long periods of time, use hands and fingers, and be able to handle, feel, communicate verbally, and hear. The associate is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb, balance. The associate is also frequently required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and either lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

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