ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Garbage Truck Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Cocoa, FL · On-site

The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGarbage Truck Helper Jobs

Garbage Truck Helper information

See salary details

$12

$19

$28

How much do garbage truck helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage truck helper in the United States is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Garbage Truck Helper, you need physical stamina, reliability, and an understanding of basic safety protocols, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic lift systems, basic hand tools, and sometimes experience with route management software is helpful. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with drivers and the public are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and timely waste collection, which is crucial for public health and sanitation.

What is the difference between Garbage Truck Helper vs Waste Collection Driver?

AspectGarbage Truck HelperWaste Collection Driver
CredentialsNone required, physical ability importantDriver's license typically required
Work EnvironmentAssist with loading and collection on trucksOperate vehicle and collect waste from routes
Employer & IndustrySanitation companies, waste managementSanitation companies, waste management

The main difference is that a Garbage Truck Helper assists with waste collection tasks without driving, while a Waste Collection Driver operates the truck and manages the route. Both roles are essential in waste management, but the Driver role requires a valid driver's license and more responsibility for vehicle operation.

What Does a Garbage Truck Helper Do?

A garbage truck helper assists a driver with the collection of trash. Your duties vary depending on the procedures of your employer and the type of waste that you collect. A garbage truck helper can help the driver navigate to each site and record each pick-up. You also exit the truck and manually empty garbage cans or connect them to a mechanical arm that performs the emptying. As a helper, you may help recycle material by separating it from the trash. Your duties include assisting with emptying the truck at a landfill or waste processing facility.

What are Garbage Truck Helpers?

Garbage Truck Helpers, also known as refuse collectors or sanitation workers, assist with the collection and disposal of waste and recyclables. They typically ride on the back of garbage trucks, collect trash from homes, businesses, or public spaces, and load it into the truck for transport to disposal sites. Their duties may include sorting recyclables, ensuring safety during collection, and helping to maintain the cleanliness of vehicles and equipment. This job requires physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by Garbage Truck Helpers and how can they be managed?

Garbage Truck Helpers often work early mornings and in various weather conditions, which can be physically demanding. Managing these challenges involves wearing proper protective gear, staying hydrated, and maintaining good physical fitness. Additionally, safety is a top priority, so helpers must be attentive when working around moving vehicles and heavy equipment. Teamwork is essential, as helpers regularly coordinate with drivers to ensure efficient and safe collection routes.
More about Garbage Truck Helper jobs
What cities are hiring for Garbage Truck Helper jobs? Cities with the most Garbage Truck Helper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Garbage Truck jobs? The most popular types of Garbage Truck jobs are:
What states have the most Garbage Truck Helper jobs? States with the most job openings for Garbage Truck Helper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Garbage Truck Helper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Truck Helper jobs are:
Garbage Truck Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Truck Helper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,460 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Garbage Truck Helper

Garbage Truck Helper

Waste Pro

Cocoa, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Waste Pro rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 72 rated recycling and waste

Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Picks up solid waste and places it in the back of a rear load garbage truck on specified routes often done manually or by pushing toter to tipper. Lifts and carries trash bags, bulk items and containers to the truck for disposal. Climbs onto and off of the rear truck step to load refuse, waste and carts. Operates packing mechanism to compact waste into the truck.
2. Provides a safe and 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.
4. Answers questions for residents and directs them to contact Customer Service or appropriate government office for additional information.
5. Must comply with all ANSI (American National Standards Institute), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and company safety polices including Waste Pro Absolute Guidelines.
6. Assists Driver in safely backing up the truck by directing the Driver from the ground.
7. Cleans behind the compactor blade with shovel and hoe when directed. Sprays and cleans the hopper and truck at the end of each shift or as needed.
8. Reports any safety or customer service related issues to driver and supervisor, immediately.
9. Performs a variety of manual duties in the clean-up of scattered refuse; Cleans up the area around accidental waste spills and ensures customers containers are replaced properly.
10. May be required to work during emergency situations.
11. Assists other routes as needed to complete daily work.
12. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

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:
* Be able to follow safe operating practices.
* Be able to learn and use interpersonal skills relating to good customer service
* Be able and willing to work in a team environment
* Be able to read, write and comprehend reports well enough to complete daily assignments.

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)
6. Ability to ride on the outside of the truck while servicing residential customers in low MPH areas.

What Waste Pro employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply