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Garbage Jobs in Linden, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Porter (Bronx)

Bronx, NY ยท On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Responsible for garbage removal. * Quickly respond to spills, bathroom malfunctions, potential hazards, etc. * Report and remove graffiti. * Position garbage and recycling dumpsters for pick up on ...

Porter (Brooklyn)

Brooklyn, NY ยท On-site

$20.83/hr

Responsible for garbage removal. * Quickly respond to spills, bathroom malfunctions, potential hazards, etc. * Report and remove graffiti. * Position garbage and recycling dumpsters for pick up on ...

Porter (Manhattan)

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$21.51/hr

Responsible for garbage removal. * Quickly respond to spills, bathroom malfunctions, potential hazards, etc. * Report and remove graffiti. * Position garbage and recycling dumpsters for pick up on ...

Porter

Fanwood, NJ ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Empties garbage, replenish bags. * Cleans all offices, including vacuuming and trash removal. * Mops and removes trash from garbage cans in all common areas and replaces bags. Wipes down counters and ...

Maintenance Worker

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$18.91/hr

Removes garbage from trash cans and compactor and takes garbage out for pickup based on the sanitation schedule. * Maintains garbage rooms, trash cans and dumpsters in clean sanitary condition.

Removes all garbage from the department as needed and instructed by the supervisor and places clean liners in garbage cans. Cleans and sanitizes cans as needed. RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal ...

Maintenance Worker

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$18.91/hr

Removes garbage from trash cans and compactor and takes garbage out for pickup based on the sanitation schedule. * Maintains garbage rooms, trash cans and dumpsters in clean sanitary condition.

Maintenance Worker

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$18.91/hr

Removes garbage from trash cans and compactor and takes garbage out for pickup based on the sanitation schedule. * Maintains garbage rooms, trash cans and dumpsters in clean sanitary condition.

Porter (Seasonal)

New York, NY ยท On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Prepare, sort and remove garbage and trash in building for pick up by garbage trucks. * Keep basement clean and free of all clutter and debris at all times. Do not permit storage of any miscellaneous ...

Porter/Painter

Flushing, NY ยท On-site

$20/hr

Prepare, sort and remove garbage and trash in building for pick up by garbage trucks. * Keep basement clean and free of all clutter and debris at all times. Do not permit storage of any miscellaneous ...

Porter/Painter

Flushing, NY ยท On-site

$20/hr

Prepare, sort and remove garbage and trash in building for pick up by garbage trucks. * Keep basement clean and free of all clutter and debris at all times. Do not permit storage of any miscellaneous ...

Showing results 21-40

Garbage information

See Linden, NJ salary details

$5

$16

$30

How much do garbage jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage in Linden, 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 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 Linden, NJ?

The most popular types of Garbage jobs in Linden, NJ are:

What job categories do people searching Garbage jobs in Linden, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage jobs in Linden, NJ are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Garbage job openings in Linden, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $35,055 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

ESCNJ Buildings and Grounds - Custodial and Maintenance Services for all ESCNJ programs and services
ESCNJ Buildings and Grounds
1660 Stelton Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
ย 




Position:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย ย Substitute Custodian
ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย Part Time Hourly as Needed - 20 Hours Per Weekย 

Start Date:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย Immediately - Pending Criminal History Clearance


Qualifications:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย 

ย 1. High School diploma or equivalent
ย 2. Boiler Operator's License (Black Seal) must be acquired not later than the second consecutively scheduled licensing test date following the commencement of employment.
ย 3. Submit to and pass a criminal background check.
ย 4. Submit to and pass a physical examination by physician
ย 5. Physically able to climb steps, step ladders and scaffolding
ย 6. Able to operate cleaning equipment such as scrubbing machines, vacuums, etc.
ย 7. Ability to relate to staff and students
ย 8. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.ย ย ย ย ย 






Reports To:ย Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds (Primary) School Principal (Secondary)
Job Goal: To provide students with a safe, attractive, comfortable, clean and efficient place in which to learn, play and develop.
Unlock Doors, Open School Building:
At start and completion of the day, the custodian is required to unlock and lock the doors of the school. The doors are unlocked with keys. This task takes several minutes to complete. At the start and completion of the day, the custodian is required to deactivate or activate the burglar alarm system for the building. Upon the closing of the building, the custodian must make sure all windows are closed and any entry areas to the school are secure. (Locking of outside fence gates when required). Upon opening and closing of the building, the custodian must check the heating and cooling systems to assure they are in operation.ย 
ย 





  1. Physical Requirements:

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Standing: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  To unlock school doors.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Handling: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Keys, allen wrench, locks, chains, door locks. Fingeringย  ย 
ย  ย  ย  ย  2. Clean and dust offices and assigned areas


The worker performs this task independently. Itย involves dusting and cleaning of all offices of the school and their and other assigned areas by the custodial supervisor. This task may require dusting of office desks, approximately 30 inches from ground, shelves of varying heights, various articles in the offices, etc. There may be a periodic overhead dusting of windows and window ledges that will require the worker to reach from a stool, ladder, approximately 6-8 feet. The worker will need cleaning supplies to be transported to each assigned area.
Physical Requirements:
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Standing: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  To perform functions.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Walking: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  To perform functions, maneuver around area.
ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  Climbing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  On ladder, stool to reach overhead, ladder approximately 6-8 feet. Bending: To dust/clean shelves, lower areas.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Stooping/Crouching:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  To perform function in lower or hard to reach areas.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Balancing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  On ladders, stools, approximately 6-8 feet.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Lifting: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Articles that must be cleaned around, weigh less than 5 lbs.
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Reaching ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  In all directions to clean/dust all areas.
ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  Hands/Arms:
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Handling: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Supplies of varied size; articles to be moved to clean/dust, ladder
3. Clean Bathrooms:
This task is performed by one worker in each lavatory. The worker is to clean and sanitize the toilets in the stalls, clean the sinks, wash the floors and the walls and clean the windows. The worker must also bring the cleaning supplies to each bathroom to be cleaned.













  • Toilet cleaned on inside and around stall
  • Re-supply toilet paper and paper towel, soap ย ย ย Wash sinks, mirrors
  • Wash bathroom floors, utilizing bucket and mop
  • Wash down bathroom walls
  • ย 

Physical Requirements:

  • Standing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To clean sinks, mirrors, walls; perform most functions.
  • Walking:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To maneuver around the lavatory.
  • Climbing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  On utility ladder, approximately 6-8 feet
  • Bending:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To mop/wash floors, sinks.
  • Stooping/Crouching:ย  ย  ย To wash toilets.
  • Balancing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย On the utility ladder.
  • Lifting - Whole Body:ย  ย  ย To carry a ladder to the lavatory.
  • Lifting - Hands/Arms:ย  ย  ย Cleaning supplies.
  • Pushing/Pulling Body:ย  ย To maneuver bucket, mop to wash floor.
  • Reaching Above:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To clean windows, walls.
  • Handling:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย Cleaning supplies, mop, bucket, ladder.

ย  4. Garbage Removal and Recycling Bins:

This task is completed by one worker once per day. A large garbage barrel on wheels must be taken to each room where garbage is to be collected. Individual pails are emptied into the larger garbage barrel. One or more large garbage barrels may be used to complete this task and are simultaneously pushed or pulled down the corridor, utilizing approximately 5-10 lbs. of pull/push force. After all garbage is collected, the large barrels are pushed to the end of the building. The garbage bags must be lifted out of the barrels. The bags may be lifted and thrown in the dumpster. This requires the worker to lift the individual garbage bags approximately 31/2 - 4 feet off the ground into the dumpster The worker then retrieves the large garbage barrel to be stored appropriately
Physical Requirements:

  • Walking:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To collect garbage, to push/pull garbage barrels down the corridor, to bring garbage bags down stairs to the dumpster.
  • Bending:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To retrieve garbage from individual pails in offices and rooms, to lift garbage bags to dispose in dumpster.
  • Lifting - Whole Body:ย  ย  To lift garbage bags of varying weight for disposal.
  • Lifting - Hands/Arms:ย  ย  Individual small garbage pails from rooms, offices.
  • Pushing/Pulling Body:ย  ย Garbage barrels on wheels, requiring approximately 5-10 lbs. of push force to maneuver.
  • Reaching Above:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย Garbage bags into the dumpster.
  • Handling:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย Individual garbage pails, garbage bags.

Recycling Barrels:ย 
The recyclables are collected in the recycling barrel which is on large wheels. It is taken to each room/office for collection, and is either pushed or pulled along the corridor requiring approximately 5 lbs. of pulf/push force. This is often done simultaneously with garbage collection. After the recyclables are collected it is brought outside to the garbage, parked and an empty recycling barrel is brought back into the school and stored. This task is performed once daily.
Physical Requirements:


  • Walking:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย See garbage collection.
  • Bending:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To retrieve recyclables.
  • Pushing/Pulling Body:ย  ย  See garbage collection.
  • Handling:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  Recycling materials, cans, bottles, etc.

5. Floor Maintenance:
This task is performed by each custodial worker. It involves the sweeping and mopping or vacuuming of offices, classrooms, and stairwells as needed. Classrooms, offices and stairwells are cleaned daily. The worker must retrieve the broom for sweeping the assigned area and utility bucket and mop for washing floors. A walk-behind or riding automatic traction driven floor scrubber will be used in the maintenance of the floor areas daily and when needed.
Physical Requirements:


  • Standing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To perform function.
  • Walking:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To position ladder under bulb, bring supplies.
  • Climbing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  Steps on ladder.
  • Balancing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  On ladder.
  • Lifting Hands/Arms:ย  ย  ย  To lift fluorescent bulb to position.
  • Reaching Above:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  To reach light to disconnect and reconnect new bulbs into place.
  • Handling:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  Requires dexterity of hands to twist the bulb to disconnect and reconnect the new bulb into place. Bulb approximately 4 feet long, ladder.

6. Changing Light Bulbs
The worker may occasionally be required to change the overhead fluorescent bulbs in offices. This task is necessary a small percentage of time. This involves moving furniture out of the way to be able to reach the light. The worker can get to the light by climbing a utility ladder. It is necessary to twist the large bulb to open and to close the bulb into place. Bulbs approximately 4 feet long.
Physical Requirements:


  • Standing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  To perform function.
  • Walking:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  To position ladder under bulb, bring supplies.
  • Climbing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  Steps on ladder.
  • Balancing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย On ladder.
  • Lifting Hands/Arms:ย  To lift fluorescent bulb to position.
  • Reaching Above:ย  ย  ย  ย To reach light to disconnect and reconnect new bulbs into place.
  • Handling:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย Requires dexterity of hands to twist the bulb to disconnect and reconnect the new bulb into place. Bulb approximately 4 feet long, ladder.


7. Summer and Holiday thorough Cleaning:
During holidays and summer months, it is necessary to thoroughly clean and refurbish the school. There are several tasks to be done that are not possible while school is in session, along with the overall cleaning as previously outlined. This includes stripping and refinishing floors and painting. All workers are assigned these tasks. Painting is done with rollers with 5 gallon paint drums weighing approximately 40-50 lbs., which have to be lifted to pour the paint into pans. The floor stripper requires a twisting movement to operate and weighs approximately 50 lbs. It is necessary to move furniture to refinish floors. Overhead cleaning of windows is typically done at this time which the worker gets to on a utility ladder, approximately 6-8 feet. Major cleaning, painting and refinishing floors are incorporated into the full 8 hour day.
Physical Requirements:



  • Standing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To clean, wash, paint, refinish floors, and perform all functions.
  • Walking:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To retrieve and return supplies, to paint, to strip and refinish floors, perform cleaning functions.
  • Climbing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  Utility ladders, stairs.
  • Bending:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To clean low areas, paint low areas, position equipment, retrieve and place supplies.
  • Balancing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  On stairs, ladders.
  • Lifting Whole Body:ย  ย  ย 5-gallon drums of finish and paint, weighing approximately 40-50 lbs., utility ladders approximately 6-8 feet.
  • Lifting Hands/Arms:ย  ย  Various supplies, garbage bags.
  • Pushing Whole Body: Stripping machine weighing approximately 40-50 lbs., buffing machine, garbage barrels, 5-10 lbs. of push force moving furniture.
  • Pushing Hands/Arms: Paint rollers, mops, brooms, to perform functions.
  • Reaching Above:ย ย ย  ย  ย  To clean windows, paint walls, clean higher areas.
  • Reaching Forward:ย  ย  ย Dusting, cleaning in offices, rooms as previously outlined.
  • Reaching Down:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย To retrieve and return varying small supplies.
  • Handling:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  Allย cleaning equipment, to perform functions.
  • Seeing:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย Location of supplies, to maneuver equipment, to paint surfaces; to perform all functions


Benefits: No Benefits

Hourly Rate:ย  $25



To apply for this position with the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey please visit the Human Resources Tab at www.escnj.us and click the employment opportunities link.
ย 

ESCNJ is an EOE/AA Employer