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Garbage Jobs in Hackettstown, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Ride on garbage truck to assist the Driver service customers - will load refuse bags and bring containers to the truck for proper disposal. * Directing the truck driver when backing * Assisting with ...

Ride on garbage truck to assist the Driver service customers - will load refuse bags and bring containers to the truck for proper disposal. * Directing the truck driver when backing * Assisting with ...

The candidate will be responsible for cleaning disinfecting ,dusting removing garbage with minimal supervision whilst following health guidelines faithfully and consistently. \n * Clean, stock and ...

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Garbage information

See Hackettstown, NJ salary details

$5

$16

$30

How much do garbage jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage in Hackettstown, NJ is $16.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $15.14 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 do you get a job as a garbage collector?

To become a garbage collector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. Employment often involves passing a physical exam, background check, and training on safety procedures and waste collection equipment. Job openings are usually posted by local government or waste management companies, and experience with driving large vehicles can be beneficial.

What cities near Hackettstown, NJ are hiring for Garbage jobs?

Cities near Hackettstown, NJ with the most Garbage job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage job openings in Hackettstown, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,057 per year, or $16.9 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 29 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.


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