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Garbage Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Aide

Grayson, KY · On-site

$9.50 - $12/hr

Empty garbage in dumpster and sanitize garbage cans. * Maintain effective communication with residents, families and community staff. * Must adhere to strict guidelines for serving times. * Must ...

Cleaning Tech-Henderson, KY

Henderson, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

General janitorial tasks: empty garbage/recycling, disinfect/sanitize restrooms, offices, work areas, as well as sweeping/mopping/vacuuming floors/stairs, and other derived tasks directed.G.C.S ...

Cleaning Tech-Henderson, KY

Henderson, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

General janitorial tasks: empty garbage/recycling, disinfect/sanitize restrooms, offices, work areas, as well as sweeping/mopping/vacuuming floors/stairs, and other derived tasks directed.G.C.S ...

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Garbage information

See Kentucky salary details

$4

$14

$25

How much do garbage jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage in Kentucky is $14.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.06 and $12.74 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 Kentucky?

The most popular types of Garbage jobs in Kentucky are:

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

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

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Garbage jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Garbage job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $29,467 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

Daytime Cleaner

Lexington, KY • On-site


Planet Fitness - Midwest Management Group
Health and Personal Care Stores • 501 - 1,000 employees

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 604 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 63 rated gym and leisure clubs

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers


Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

We take tremendous pride in the cleanliness of all our clubs and believe this is something that continues to set us apart from other fitness centers.  We are looking for a self-motivated, driven individual to help keep our state of the art facility clean during the daytime.  Must be able to work efficiently and be able to stand/move around continuously.

Job Duties will include but not limited to:

-Cleaning equipment

-Vacuuming floors

-Mopping floors

-Detail cleaning trim and baseboards as well as fitness equipment

-Any other cleaning duties assigned by management including, but not limited to, cleaning bathrooms, taking out garbage, cleaning mirrors, cleaning garbage cans, etc.

Full-time position. Monday-Friday. Starts at $10/hour.

Cleaning experience not required, but preferred.



Planet Fitness logo

About Planet Fitness

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of March 31, 2022, Planet Fitness had more than 16.2 million members and 2,291 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women. At Planet Fitness, our mission has always been to enhance peoples lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, judgement free environment. We are proud to be one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States with over 2,000 clubs and growing!

Industry

Health and personal care stores, amusement, gambling, and recreation and fitness and sports centers

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hampton, NH, US


What Planet Fitness employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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