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Garbage Picker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

City of Hoover

Custodian

Hoover, AL

$17.04 - $26.45/hr

... garbage; picks up trash from outside of buildings; sweeps, mops and dusts floors, strips floor of old wax, applies new wax and buffs; performs related duties as required.

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Garbage Picker information

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$16

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How much do garbage picker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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.
Class B Swing Garbage Truck Driver

Class B Swing Garbage Truck Driver

Interstate Waste Services

Danbury, CT • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Overview: Interstate Waste Services is Now Hiring CDL B SWING Garbage Truck Drivers in Danbury, CT!
Safety is our first Priority!
$25.00 to $32.00 / Hour
1 year experience driving multiple different Garbage Trucks is REQUIRED
Must be able to drive a Manual Transmission

In order to be considered, include a resume or list job history when applying.
Highlights:
  • Monday thru Friday with occasional Saturday hours
  • Early start time - 4am or 5am
  • Hourly pay - $25.00 -$32.00
  • Year Round-Steady work
  • Full Benefits packet with Paid Time Off
  • 1 Year verifiable CDL driving experience within the last 7 years required
Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut markets with a rail-served landfill in Ohio . IWS is committed to delivering high-quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers and communities. We cater to a diverse range of industrial, medical and commercial/residential customers.
Founded in 1998, IWS has grown over the years through acquisitions, many of which were family-owned businesses that remain a part of our team today. We're proud to combine the resources of a large company with the values and care of a family-run business.
Essential Job Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.: Job Highlights:
  • Drivers are Responsible for Safely Operating Front, Side, or Rear-Loading Trucks, for the Pick-Up Service of Bags or Containers Filled with Waste or Recyclable Material. Drivers transport the material to a disposal, transfer or recycle facility, and may make one or more trips throughout the shift
  • Drivers Transport the Material to a Disposal, Transfer or Recycling Facility, & May Make One or More Trips Throughout the Shift
  • We Deploy Both Manual & Automatic Trucks
  • The Driver Position May Be Required to Repeatedly Lift up to 50 Pounds, & Move & Maneuver up to 100 Pounds, As Well As Mount & Dismount the Truck Multiple Times Every Route
Requirements and Qualifications Requirements:
  • 21 Years of Age & Legally Eligible to Work in the United States
  • Valid Class A or B CDL
  • Airbrake Endorsement
  • 1-year CDL driving experience in the last 7 years.
  • Great Safety Record and Clean MVR
  • Experience as a Driver or Helper for a Refuge Company is Highly Preferred
  • Working Knowledge of DOT, OSHA & Applicable Traffic Regulations
  • Ability to Speak & Read English to Converse with the General Public, understand Highway Traffic & Signals, Respond to Official Questions & Make Legible Entries on Reports & Records
  • Read & Understand a Map
  • Meet Physical & Safety Requirements of the Position.
  • Willing & Able to Work Required Worked Hours as Allowed Under DOT Regulation & May Include Weekend, Night &/Or Holiday Work
Additional Job Requirements:
  • Routes may require Drivers to navigate through congested communities and confined or tight areas in city locations.
  • Highly skilled backing maneuvers are essential to successfully perform this job.
  • Our drivers routinely climb in and out of the truck cab to service customer accounts.
  • Driver pre and post inspections required. Drivers are responsible for ensuring their truck is in compliance with IWS's safety standards as well as OSHA and DOT regulations, and local traffic laws, prior to and while operating the vehicle.
Additional Information: IWS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Salary Range Minimum: USD $25.00/Hr. Salary Range Maximum: USD $32.00/Hr.

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