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Garbage Picker Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

The Waste Pro Residential Driver operates refuse collection vehicles on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. Oversees work of helpers assisting on assigned ...

Solid Waste Coordinator

Haines City, FL · On-site

$18.39 - $26.64/hr

Assists with vendor contracts for residential and commercial garbage pick-up, recycling and street sweeping operations. Responsible for exceptional customer service. * Assists with tracking of the ...

Solid Waste Coordinator

Haines City, FL · On-site

$18.39 - $26.64/hr

Assists with vendor contracts for residential and commercial garbage pick-up, recycling and street sweeping operations. Responsible for exceptional customer service. * Assists with tracking of the ...

The Waste Pro Residential Driver operates refuse collection vehicles on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. Oversees work of helpers assisting on assigned ...

The Waste Pro Automated Side Load Driver operates refuse collection vehicles on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. Oversees work of helpers assisting on ...

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Garbage Picker information

See Florida salary details

$8

$12

$15

How much do garbage picker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage picker in Florida is $12.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.49 and $13.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 250 an hour?

Jobs that pay around $250 an hour typically include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, and certain high-level consultants. These positions often require advanced education, certifications, and significant experience. Most entry-level or manual jobs, including garbage picking, do not reach this pay rate.

What are garbage pickers and what do they 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Garbage Picker, and why are they important?

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.

Is it hard to become a garbage collector?

Becoming a garbage collector typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and physical stamina for outdoor work. Some positions may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) and training on operating collection vehicles, but the entry process is generally straightforward and based on local hiring standards.

How much is a garbage collector paid?

Garbage collectors typically earn an average annual salary between $30,000 and $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced workers or those in high-cost areas can earn higher wages. Benefits often include health insurance and retirement plans, and the job may require physical stamina and safety training.

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 qualifications do you need to be a garbage collector?

Garbage collectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a physical exam due to the demanding nature of the job. Some positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to operate collection trucks, along with good physical stamina and attention to safety procedures.
What are popular job titles related to Garbage Picker jobs in Florida? For Garbage Picker jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Picker jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Picker jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Garbage Picker job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $26,320 per year, or $12.7 per hour.
Garbage Truck Driver

Garbage Truck Driver

Waste Pro

Rockledge, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Waste Pro rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 75 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Waste Pro has immediate Openings for Energetic CDL Drivers!
Everyday thousands of Waste Pro trucks serve millions of customers. It takes professional, experienced, hardworking and dedicated people, working together, to accomplish this task. Work with the brightest people in the industry while driving some of the finest trucks built.
Did you know that Waste Pro offers a $10,000.00 driver award? This award designed specifically for drivers is attainable every 3 years when the driver meets specific criteria. (Yes ... it happens all the time) If you are energetic, team oriented and love a challenge apply with Waste Pro and be the Distinguishable Difference!
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Waste Pro Residential Driver operates refuse collection vehicles on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. Oversees work of helpers assisting on assigned route; performs pre-trip and post-trip truck check and cleaning; and performs other related work as assigned. Work is performed under supervision and performance is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through direct observation of routes, and discussion of problems
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Safely drives truck on pre-established route in accordance with Decision Driving principles within prescribed time. Collects and dumps garbage and refuse into refuse trucks while covering a designated route in a residential zone. Unloads refuse trucks at the landfill, transfer station, or similar facility.
2. Provides Distinguishably Different level of service through courteous and expeditious customer service in all aspects of refuse operation to the general public and customers. Exhibits a positive attitude towards company, customer and municipal goals.
3. Ensures garbage and recyclables at residences are picked up and transferred properly; pick up may require using back door. Tags improper refuse containers and waste;
4. Performs Daily Pre and Post Trip inspections as set forth by Waste Pro procedures and D.O.T. guidelines. Completes Safety Lane activity and DVIR daily in accordance with Waste Pro safety lane guidelines. Includes inspection under hood, check under carriage, check fluid levels and air tires.
5. Maintains clean truck and washes exterior weekly. Inspect/Clean Truck: Lift hood, inspect under the hood, walk around and check under carriage; pump gas, check fluid levels and air tires - Uses air gauge, dipstick for levels, and gas pump nozzle for gas fill.
6. Performs a variety of manual duties in the clean-up of scattered refuse; moves and empties large trash bins using truck hydraulics;
7. Prepares, maintains, and submits required company and regulation-mandated reports and documents;
8. Responsible for all persons working on vehicle during the designated route.
9. Must comply with all Department of Transportation and State requirements for operators of commercial motor vehicles.
10. May be required to work during emergency situations
OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Employees in this job classification must attend and participate in corporation sponsored training courses as assigned.
* Employees in this job classification are responsible for keeping up to date on current technology, as job appropriate, being used by Waste Pro .
* Any additional job duties that may be assigned by the Supervisor.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Works in a variety of environment conditions, including wide temperature and weather variations including heat, cold, snow, rain, wind; noise and vibrations, fumes, odors and dust.
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Must have a Class A or B CDL valid for the state in which the position works. Requires a clean driving record.
* Must be at least 21 years of age or older
* Understand refuse collection policies, procedures, guidelines and practices; understanding of Department of Transportation and State requirements for operators of commercial motor vehicles.
* Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction
* See in the normal visual range with or without correction
* Exhibit normal range of body motion
* Drive a front-end, side, rear-end, or roll off loading refuse truck, including right-hand driver's position on certain equipment, observing legal and defensive driving practices.
* Manipulate heavy equipment control levers
* Follow a designated refuse collection route or work schedule;
* Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
* Maintain written records and service responses.
* Must be able to speak and read English well enough to communicate with customers, co-workers, dispatch and super visors, understand highway and traffic signals, and be able to make legible entries on paperwork.
Special Considerations/Physical Work Requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
1. Physically able to push or pull independently (unassisted) 50 pounds between 800 and 1000 times a day
2. Physically able to lift independently (unassisted) 50 pounds from the ground to waist height between 800 and 1000 times a day
3. Physically able to get up and down from the cab of a commercial motor vehicle between 800 and 1000 times a day
4. Physically able to bend at the waist and knees between 800 and 1000 times a day
5. Physically able to work 8 to 12 hours in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain and snow)

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