ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Garbage Truck Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freedom Waste Management, LLC

Be Seen First

CDL Front Load Garbage Driver

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$22.50 - $28/hr

We are seeking a reliable CDL Front Load Garbage Driver to operate front-end garbage trucks on an early morning shift from 2am to 10am. This role involves independent work navigating variable routes ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsEnergy and Environment JobsSanitation JobsSanitation Worker JobsGarbage Truck Loader Jobs

Garbage Truck Loader information

See salary details

$12

$17

$23

How much do garbage truck loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage truck loader in the United States is $17.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a garbage truck loader?

Garbage truck loaders are workers responsible for collecting and loading household, commercial, or industrial waste into garbage trucks for proper disposal. They typically ride on the back or side of the truck, lifting and emptying bins or bags of trash into the vehicle. This job requires physical strength, stamina, and attention to safety procedures. Garbage truck loaders play a critical role in keeping communities clean and ensuring that waste is managed efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a garbage truck loader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garbage Truck Loader, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and the ability to follow procedures, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hydraulic lift systems and basic knowledge of waste management protocols are beneficial. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills help loaders efficiently coordinate with drivers and maintain a safe work environment. These skills ensure that waste is collected safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by garbage truck loaders, and how can they be managed on the job?

Garbage Truck Loaders often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy or awkward waste items, and maintaining safety while operating near traffic. Managing these challenges involves using proper lifting techniques, wearing the recommended personal protective equipment, and staying alert to surroundings to avoid accidents. Many teams also emphasize strong communication and cooperation between loaders and drivers to ensure routes are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Garbage Truck Loader vs Sanitation Worker?

AspectGarbage Truck LoaderSanitation Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CDL often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; CDL optional
Work EnvironmentInside and around garbage trucks, outdoor routesStreet cleaning, waste collection, outdoor environment
Employer & IndustryWaste management companies, municipal servicesMunicipalities, waste collection services

Garbage Truck Loaders primarily focus on loading waste into trucks, often working directly with the vehicle. Sanitation Workers perform broader waste collection tasks, including street cleaning and waste pickup. Both roles require similar certifications and work outdoors, but Garbage Truck Loaders specialize in operating and working around garbage trucks, making them more vehicle-focused.

How to get a job as a garbage truck loader?

To become a garbage truck loader, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and physical strength to handle heavy loads. Experience with waste management or operating related equipment can be beneficial, and some employers require a valid driver's license or CDL. Job openings are often posted by waste management companies or municipal services, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding nature of the work.
More about Garbage Truck Loader jobs

What cities are hiring for Garbage Truck Loader jobs?

Cities with the most Garbage Truck Loader job openings:

What states have the most Garbage Truck Loader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Garbage Truck Loader jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Garbage Truck Loader jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage Truck Loader jobs are:

Garbage Truck Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Truck Loader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,908 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Side-load Garbage Truck Driver

Waste Connections Inc

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$26.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

Waste Connections rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 265 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 92 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Why Choose Us?

We are Waste Connections, an integrated services company that provides solid waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to local residents and businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada. We're proud to be a different kind of company with a different kind of culture. One where self-directed, empowered employees have our trust and full support to realize their potential as they strive to make a bigger and better impact on their communities and careers every day.

Our priority is to make sure we hire safe drivers that care about the service provided to the community. As a driver with us the minimum responsibilities are:

  • Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste.

  • Reading route sheets and service each customer identified on the sheet or assigned by the dispatcher.

  • Performing routine post and pre route inspections on vehicles such as checking fluids, safety equipment, and tires.

  • Having professional and courteous interactions with our customers when needed.

  • Perform other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

What we need from you:

  • Valid Class A or B CDL

  • Clean driving record

  • 1 year of local route driving experience

What you'll get from us:

  • Competitive Compensation ($26.50/hr)

  • 401(K) with company match; let us help you save for your future

  • Healthcare; Medical, Dental, Vision

  • Perks, perks, perks! Employee Assistance Mental Health Program, Emergency Travel Assistance, Prepaid Legal Plan, Scholarship Opportunities for kids, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Relief Fund

  • Insurance: Life, Short Term/Long Term Disability

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

What Waste Connections employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply