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Garbage Picker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Nashua

Temporary Rubbish Collector

Nashua, NH · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Position Type: Temporary/Seasonal Employees/Summer Rubbish Collectors Date Posted: 2/10/2026 ... This position is not subject to "pick up and go home." HOW TO APPLY Apply online at EQUAL ...

Baker Boy

Freezer Order Picker

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$26.27/hr

Remove garbage from freezer/loading area as well as keep area clean. * Assist freezer/loading dock as necessary. Requirements ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, CHARACTERISTICS * Must possess good problem ...

City of Nashua

Temporary Rubbish Collector

Nashua, NH

$20 - $22/hr

Temporary Rubbish Collectors Solid Waste Department April 1, 2026 December 5, 2026 $20.00 to $22.00 ... This position is not subject to "pick up and go home." HOW TO APPLY Apply online at EQUAL ...

City of Haines City

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 ...

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Garbage Picker information

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How much do garbage picker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage picker in the United States is $16.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 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.
More about Garbage Picker jobs
What cities are hiring for Garbage Picker jobs? Cities with the most Garbage Picker job openings:
What states have the most Garbage Picker jobs? States with the most job openings for Garbage Picker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Picker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Picker jobs are:
Garbage Picker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Picker job openings in the United States 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 $35,221 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Local Garbage Truck Driver

Waste Connections of Canada

Wayne, NE

$26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Waste Connections of Nebraska, is looking for safety conscience Local Garbage Truck Drivers to join our GROWING team in Crofton, Wayne & Norfolk, Nebraska.

We are looking to grow employees with us and will help provide the truck and training to help grow your career as a CDL driver - We also pay for your CDL!

Pay range:$22 - $26 per hour

Schedule:Monday - Friday 5:00am - Route complete

Locations:Crofton, Wayne, Norfolk, Nebraska

Job Requirements:
- Valid driver's license
- Clean driving record
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Excellent communication skills


Roles:
- Safely operate a company vehicle on designated routes
- Pick up and transport waste and recycling materials
- Maintain accurate records of pick-ups and deliveries
- Communicate effectively with customers and dispatch


Responsibilities:
- Follow all safety regulations and company policies
- Complete daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Provide excellent customer service
- Report any issues or concerns to management


Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance options
- Retirement savings plan - 5% 401k match
- Paid time off
- Opportunities for advancement within the company

Why you need to join us!

  • CULTURE: It's a Great place to work! We work in an environment where empowered, self-directed All-stars know what they do is important.

  • INTEGRITY: Our definition is "saying what you will do and then doing it!" We keep our promises to our customers and our employees.

Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.

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