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Garbage Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Remove garbage from kitchen and transfer to outside garbage area, replace garbage cans and garbage can liners when needed. * Must be able to lift 50#'s. * Must show up on time and in uniform

New

Remove garbage from kitchen and transfer to outside garbage area, replace garbage cans and garbage can liners when needed. * Must be able to lift 50#'s. * Must show up on time and in uniform

New

Jumper- Crestview

Crestview, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point. * Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or ...

Jumper- Milton

Milton, FL · On-site

$15/hr

Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point. * Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or ...

Lead Mechanic

Lutz, FL · On-site

$28/hr

The primary responsibility of Lead Mechanic is to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair golf carts as well as all onsite work vehicles, including garbage trucks, utility vehicles, maintenance ...

Showing results 41-60

Garbage information

See Florida salary details

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$12

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How much do garbage jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage in Florida is $12.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.52 and $10.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a garbage collector?

Garbage collectors, also known as sanitation workers or refuse collectors, are responsible for collecting waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and public areas. They load trash into garbage trucks and transport it to landfills, recycling centers, or waste treatment facilities. Their work helps keep communities clean, prevents the spread of disease, and supports environmental sustainability. Garbage collectors must follow safety guidelines and often work early hours or in all weather conditions.

What are different types of jobs that work with garbage?

People that work with garbage may work at a waste management or recycling facility, a garbage disposal service, or a municipal job. Common duties are to collect trash and recycling and transport it to a trash facility or landfill. Waste removal work is typically divided between drivers, technicians, operations managers, and administrative positions, such as customer support, sales, and compliance specialists. They ensure that garbage disposal protocols follow all municipal, state, and federal health and safety requirements.

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

To thrive as a Garbage Collector, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, hydraulic lift systems, and safety protocols is typically necessary. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are standout soft skills for this position. These skills ensure efficient waste collection, personal safety, and effective collaboration, which are vital for maintaining public health and cleanliness.

What are some common challenges faced by garbage collectors and how can they be managed effectively?

Garbage collectors often work early hours and in various weather conditions, which can be physically demanding. They may encounter hazardous materials or heavy loads, requiring proper safety gear and adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication with team members and staying organized helps ensure routes are completed efficiently and safely. Many organizations provide regular training to help collectors manage these challenges and maintain a healthy work environment.

What is the difference between Garbage vs Waste Management Worker?

AspectGarbageWaste Management Worker
CredentialsNo formal certification requiredTypically requires OSHA training and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentResidential and commercial trash collectionCollection, transportation, and disposal of waste
Industry UsageCommonly used in everyday languageIndustry-specific job title

Garbage refers to household or commercial waste, often used informally. Waste Management Worker is a formal job title for professionals involved in collecting and managing waste. While both deal with waste, Waste Management Worker implies a specific role with industry standards and certifications, whereas garbage is a general term for waste material.

How hard is it to get a job as a garbage collector?

Getting a job as a garbage collector typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. The hiring process often involves physical fitness assessments and background checks, with opportunities available through local waste management companies or public sanitation departments. Experience with operating trucks or heavy equipment can be advantageous but is not always mandatory.

What qualifications do you need to be a garbage collector?

Garbage collectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must be physically fit to handle lifting and long periods of standing. Some employers require a valid driver's license and may provide on-the-job training; certifications are generally not required but can be beneficial for safety and efficiency.

What are the most commonly searched types of Garbage jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Garbage jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Garbage jobs in Florida?

For Garbage jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Garbage jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Garbage job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $25,354 per year, or $12.2 per hour.

Equipment Operator I - CDL Knuckle Boom & Garbage Shuttle Truck

Panama City, City of (FL)

Panama City, FL

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Equipment Operator I

Work is performed under the general guidance and leadership of the Director of Public Works. The Equipment Operator I operates equipment in heavy traffic and in confined spaces and is responsible for accuracy and field knowledge to ensure safety and efficiency. This position navigates the City streets, alleys, parking areas and other areas to remove garbage, trash, debris and other items from residential, commercial and other areas of the City. Safe usage of large trucks and equipment is a critical function of this role.

This position is designated as an emergency essential position that requires performance of emergency duties and actions to prepare, repair and recover the City before, during and after any adverse storm events (hurricane, tornado, tropical storm, winter storm, severe thunderstorm, flash flooding etc.) or other conditions (natural or manmade).

Essential duties include:

  • Drives and operates a truck/trailer/or boom truck combination vehicle used to collect and haul yard trash and bulk waste from an assigned collection route.
  • Operates other related environmental services equipment.
  • Performs pre-trip/post-trip inspections for all equipment assigned.
  • Frequently exposed to outside weather conditions and to wet and/or humid conditions during the course of the workday.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

  • Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of standard and specialized solid waste equipment.
  • Ability and desire to operate heavy equipment in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
  • Ability to maintain an exemplary driving record and safety protocols.
  • Knowledge of traffic regulations and safe driving practices.
  • Skill in the care and safe operation of assigned equipment.
  • Ability to carry out oral and/or written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, team-focused working relationships with team members, other departments, leadership, businesses and the general public.
  • Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate in a positive and helpful manner in all situations.
  • Ability to deescalate situations and problem solve during the course and scope of work.
  • Ability to read, write and communicate in both written and oral manner regarding the details of the routes and status of work details.
  • Ability to interpret both in written and oral format instructions regarding daily tasks.
  • Ability to communicate via radios and two-way transmission methodology.

Minimum qualifications include:

  • Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
  • Possess and maintain a current Florida CDL Class B License with air brakes endorsement.

A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Physical demands include:

  • Occasionally - Lift/Carry: 50+ lbs., Push/Pull: 50+lbs., Crawl.
  • Frequently - Lift/Carry: 50 lbs. or less, Push/Pull: 50+ lbs. or less, Reach Above Shoulder, Reach Outward, Stand, Walk, Climb.
  • Constantly – Drive, Handling/Fine Motor Skills, Sit, Twist/Turn.

Work environment includes:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is outside year-round and is constantly exposed to all weather conditions.

The City of Panama City is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative/Action Employer