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Garbage Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Removes trash and garbage to designated areas. * Cleans equipment using specific chemicals to ensure sanitary standards. * Re-stock supplies, such as soap, paper towels, and cleaning materials.

Removes trash and garbage to designated areas. * Cleans equipment using specific chemicals to ensure sanitary standards. * Re-stock supplies, such as soap, paper towels, and cleaning materials.

Utility Worker

Auburn, ME · On-site

$17/hr

Removes trash and garbage to designated areas. * Cleans equipment using specific chemicals to ensure sanitary standards. * Re-stock supplies, such as soap, paper towels, and cleaning materials.

Removes trash and garbage to designated areas. * Cleans equipment using specific chemicals to ensure sanitary standards. * Re-stock supplies, such as soap, paper towels, and cleaning materials.

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

Saco, ME · On-site

$17.50/hr

Steam cleans or hoses out garbage cans. * Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work areas. * Helps load and unload supplies and product. * Performs other duties as assigned.

Removes trash and garbage to designated areas. * Cleans equipment using specific chemicals to ensure sanitary standards. * Re-stock supplies, such as soap, paper towels, and cleaning materials.

Removes trash and garbage to designated areas. * Cleans equipment using specific chemicals to ensure sanitary standards. * Re-stock supplies, such as soap, paper towels, and cleaning materials.

Performs approximately all work indoors but will be required to work outside in order to clean parking lots, gas pumps, take out garbage, etc. * Be exposed to occasional cold temperature extremes ...

... garbage and recycling, all with attention to detail and to the standards set by property management. * Must work with a variety of cleaning chemicals, following appropriate directions and in ...

Housekeeper

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... garbage and recycling, all with attention to detail and to the standards set by property management. * Must work with a variety of cleaning chemicals, following appropriate directions and in ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECH

Portland, ME · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Ensure that garbage is disposed of properly after each meal. 12. Monitor group rooms to ensure cleanliness after each activity. 13. Hand off information necessary for oncoming staff at the end of ...

Food Prep

Wiscasset, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Take out the garbage during the day or early evening hours, etc. * Exposure to extreme cold temperatures while performing occasional work in a walk in cooler and/or freezer * Exposure to occasional ...

Performs store maintenance including but not limited to taking out garbage, sweeping, cleaning bathrooms, maintaining stock room. This is not all-inclusive. Additional responsibilities will be ...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECH

Portland, ME · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Ensure that garbage is disposed of properly after each meal. 12. Monitor group rooms to ensure cleanliness after each activity. 13. Hand off information necessary for oncoming staff at the end of ...

Ensure that garbage is disposed of properly after each meal. 12. Monitor group rooms to ensure cleanliness after each activity. 13. Hand off information necessary for oncoming staff at the end of ...

Performs approximately all work indoors but will be required to work outside in order to clean parking lots, gas pumps, take out garbage, etc. * Be exposed to occasional cold temperature extremes ...

Performs store maintenance including but not limited to taking out garbage, sweeping, cleaning bathrooms, maintaining stock room. This is not all-inclusive. Additional responsibilities will be ...

Showing results 41-60

Garbage information

See Portland, ME salary details

$5

$16

$29

How much do garbage jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage in Portland, ME is $16.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $14.86 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 job categories do people searching Garbage jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage jobs in Portland, ME are:

Infographic showing various Garbage job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,340 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Dishroom Attendant


Location: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE - GORHAM - 10387001

Workdays/shifts: VARIED WORKDAYS - Specific Shifts. More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $18.00 per hour - $18.00 per hour

University students with restrictions on number of hours they can work, including international students, should apply for open student worker positions at the school they attend. You can search student worker jobs here (https://sodexo.paradox.ai/7nq0G05)


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. 

What You’ll Do:  As a Dishroom Attendant at Sodexo, you will support kitchen and facility operations by maintaining cleanliness, sanitation, and organization throughout food production and service areas. This position is responsible for cleaning and maintaining equipment, utensils, floors, walls, and storage spaces; transporting and storing supplies; and assisting with basic set-up and break-down tasks as directed. The general responsibilities of the position include those listed below, but Sodexo may identify other responsibilities of the position. These responsibilities may differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements. 


Responsibilities include:  

  • Washes dishes by hand or places them in a dishwashing machine. 
  • Clean and sanitize worktables, walls, refrigerators and meat blocks. 
  • Sweeps, mops, cleans and vacuums floors. 
  • Removes trash and garbage to designated areas.  
  • Cleans equipment using specific chemicals to ensure sanitary standards. 
  • Re-stock supplies, such as soap, paper towels, and cleaning materials. 
  • Significant walking or other means of mobility. 
  • Ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time, throughout the entire duration of a shift, which may exceed 8 hours.  
  • Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull, and frequently lift up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift/move 50 pounds. 
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity 
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements. 

What You Bring:  

  • High School diploma, GED, or equivalent experience. 
  • No related work experience. 
  • Knowledge of sanitation procedures, to include basic concepts of food safety. 

Link to full Job description  


What We Offer:                                 

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life’s important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family’s wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more. 
  • In addition to Sodexo’s standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free “shift” meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking. 


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo’s benefit offerings during the interview process. 


Who we are: 


At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace culture and belonging as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form. 


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