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Garbage Picker Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Truck Driver Residential II

Roswell, GA · On-site

$18.77 - $24.39/hr

... garbage or yard trash; keeps to specific routes to ensure appropriate pick up; unloads truck at dumping sites; maneuvers in and around traffic, parked cars, crew workers, equipment, and other ...

Assists crew in picking up garbage and trash from behind houses as needed. * Monitors crew activities and adjusts to ensure work quality and safety policies. Adjusts the pace of the route truck as ...

Route Driver

Marietta, GA · On-site

$18.80 - $21.44/hr

Assists crew in picking up garbage and trash from behind houses as needed. * Monitors crew activities and adjusts to ensure work quality and safety policies. Adjusts the pace of the route truck as ...

Route Driver

Marietta, GA · On-site

$18.80 - $21.44/hr

Assists crew in picking up garbage and trash from behind houses as needed. * Monitors crew activities and adjusts to ensure work quality and safety policies. Adjusts the pace of the route truck as ...

Truck Driver Residential I

Roswell, GA · On-site

$17.37 - $22.58/hr

Drives large garbage truck to collect garbage or yard trash; keeps to specific routes to ensure appropriate pick up; unloads truck at dumping sites; maneuvers in and around traffic, parked cars, crew ...

Laborer I - Sanitation

Chamblee, GA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Assists in the pick-up of garbage cans for residents with approved disabilities. * Picks up appliances, furniture, limbs, and bulk items by hand or with hand tools. * Aides in transporting collected ...

Laborer I - Sanitation

Chamblee, GA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Assists in the pick-up of garbage cans for residents with approved disabilities. * Picks up appliances, furniture, limbs, and bulk items by hand or with hand tools. * Aides in transporting collected ...

Refuse Collector

Roswell, GA · On-site

$13.80 - $17.93/hr

Ability to retain information regarding specific instructions for garbage or trash pick-up. * Ability to compile, assemble, copy, record, and/or transcribe data according to a prescribed schema or ...

GA - Waste Helper, Jackson GA

Jackson, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Uses pitchforks, shovels, and similar hand tools to pick up general refuse, garbage, recyclables, trash, and yard trash from curbside and other areas as instructed. Rides with truck to disposal ...

Residential Driver

Athens, GA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

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 ...

Residential ASL Driver

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

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 ...

Residential Driver

Athens, GA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

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 ...

Experienced Residential ASL Driver

Jasper, GA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

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 ...

Residential ASL Driver

Tunnel Hill, GA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

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 ...

Residential ASL Driver

Doraville, GA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

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 Georgia salary details

$9

$14

$17

How much do garbage picker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage picker in Georgia is $14.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $15.43 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.

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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Garbage Picker jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage Picker jobs in Georgia are:

Infographic showing various Garbage Picker job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,740 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Crew Leader (Residential Garbage)

CITY OF VALDOSTA

Valdosta, GA

$19.05/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description

Supervises and participates in the work of an assigned crew of personnel.

Ensure employees compliance with safety procedures.

Trains, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.

Transports crew and equipment to and from work sites.

Operates and dump a sanitation garbage truck along an assigned route to collect refuse.

Operates a front-end loader or rear-end loader and take to garbage site.

Coordinates the maintenance of assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment.

Responds to customer complaints, concerns, and inquiries; provides information and assistance and resolves problems.

Performs maintenance and labor work as needed. And work some weekend & after hour events.

Performs related duties. Assist in delivering trash containers and help in picking up go backs.

Requirements

Knowledge of sanitation, street maintenance and vehicle and equipment maintenance principles.

Knowledge of city streets and geography.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

Skill in the operation of assigned tools and equipment.

Skill in the supervision of personnel.

Skill in problem solving.

Skill in interpersonal relations.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.

Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years' experience or service.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.