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Garbage Truck Helper information

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How much do garbage truck helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 is a garbage truck helper?

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.
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Garbage Truck Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Truck Helper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,460 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Waste Services Garbage Truck Helper

Interstate Waste Services

Bernardsville, NJ • On-site

$18.54/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Interstate Waste Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Garbage Truck-Collection Helpers

Interstate Waste Services is hiring Garbage Truck-Collection Helpers

Bernardsville, NJ

$18.54/hr

If your goal is to become a commercial driver - work with us in the Helper Role for a year and you could be placed in our Helper to CDL Driver training program!

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Highlights:
  • Monday - Friday
  • $18.54/hour
  • Early start time - 5:00am - 3:30pm
  • Year Round-Steady work
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and more
  • Paid Time Off!

About You:

  • You take pride in the work you do & the company you work for!
  • Your work history shows steady employment!
  • You like very Physical work that helps you stay healthy!
  • You have a history of showing up and being on-time for work every day!

Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the country! We primarily service Northern New Jersey, Southern New York State, New York City, and recently expanded our operations of transfer stations into Pennsylvania and Ohio, where we also own and operate a state-of-the-art rail-served landfill. We cater to a diverse range of residential, industrial, and commercial customers. Our mission has always been to provide our customers with the highest quality waste, recycling, and environmental services, while keeping focus on employee, customer, and environmental safety.

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.

The Collection Helper's main responsibility is to collect (primarily by hand) and load refuse from customer locations into a heavy-duty sanitation vehicle. Unless designated by the company as a CDL Helper, Helpers are not permitted to operate a company vehicle at any time. The position reports to the Operations Manager onsite but is also subject to supervision by Route Supervisors and Dispatchers.

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Transfer refuse in a timely and safe manner from customer stops to vehicle.
  • Assist the driver while maneuvering into positions for collection and disposal
  • Maintain and partake in daily clean-up of vehicle
  • Learn garbage routes to better assist driver
  • Attend all required training, operational meetings, and mandatory monthly Safety Meetings

Work Environment

  • Helpers spend majority of daily routine both in the cab of the truck, on the back of the truck, or moving around the truck for trash collection
  • Helpers must be able to physically mount and dismount the truck throughout the duration of the work day
  • Helpers must be able to constantly lift, push, and pull waste bags and receptacles that weigh approximately 50-75+ lbs. as part of their daily routine. The bags usually have no wheels or handles for easier maneuverability, so the employee must have the physical strength to carry out the job duties.
Requirements and Qualifications:

Requirements

  • Applicants must meet physical standards as specified above
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Experience from the sanitation industry is strongly preferred
  • Position requires a team-player attitude as job is spent in close quarters with other staff members that all rely on one another
  • Other duties as assigned.
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 $18.54/Hr.

Salary Range Maximum

USD $18.54/Hr.

What Interstate Waste Services employees say

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