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Hourly Garbage Truck Hopper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Cocoa, FL · On-site

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and places it in the back of a rear load garbage ... Sprays and cleans the hopper and truck at the end of each shift or as needed. 8. Reports any safety ...

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Rockledge, FL · On-site

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and places it in the back of a rear load garbage ... Sprays and cleans the hopper and truck at the end of each shift or as needed. 8. Reports any safety ...

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Rockledge, FL · On-site

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and places it in the back of a rear load garbage ... Sprays and cleans the hopper and truck at the end of each shift or as needed. 8. Reports any safety ...

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Sanford, FL · On-site

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Picks up solid waste and places it in the back of a rear load garbage ... Sprays and cleans the hopper and truck at the end of each shift or as needed. 8. Reports any safety ...

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Hourly Garbage Truck Hopper information

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$12

$19

$28

How much do hourly garbage truck hopper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly garbage truck hopper in the United States is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an hourly garbage truck hopper?

Hourly Garbage Truck Hoppers are workers who ride on garbage trucks and assist with the collection of waste and recyclables from residential and commercial locations. Their primary duties involve lifting and emptying trash bins into the truck's compactor, ensuring that waste is properly collected along the designated route. The position is usually paid by the hour and requires physical strength, the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, and adherence to safety protocols. Hoppers play a vital role in maintaining community cleanliness and supporting municipal or private waste management services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly garbage truck hopper?

To thrive as an Hourly Garbage Truck Hopper, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and the ability to follow instructions, typically with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with basic safety equipment, proper lifting techniques, and sometimes handheld communication devices is important. Dependability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are vital soft skills for efficiently handling demanding outdoor work and coordinating with drivers and other crew members. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure timely, safe, and effective waste collection services in local communities.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly garbage truck hoppers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Hourly garbage truck hoppers often face physical challenges such as lifting heavy items, working in varying weather conditions, and maintaining a steady pace to keep up with the truck's route. To manage these challenges, it's important to use proper lifting techniques, wear appropriate safety gear, and stay hydrated throughout the shift. Building good communication with the driver and fellow crew members also helps ensure a safe and efficient workflow, minimizing the risk of injury and keeping the route on schedule.

What is the difference between Hourly Garbage Truck Hopper vs Waste Collection Driver?

AspectHourly Garbage Truck HopperWaste Collection Driver
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL)Commercial driver's license (CDL)
Work EnvironmentOperating garbage trucks, working outdoorsDriving collection trucks, working outdoors
Job DutiesLoading waste into hopper, operating machineryDriving routes, collecting waste from containers
Industry UsageWaste management, sanitation servicesWaste collection, sanitation services

Both roles require a CDL and involve outdoor work in waste management. The Hourly Garbage Truck Hopper focuses on operating machinery and loading waste into the hopper, while the Waste Collection Driver primarily drives and collects waste from containers. They are closely related but differ in specific duties within the waste management industry.

More about Hourly Garbage Truck Hopper jobs

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What states have the most Hourly Garbage Truck Hopper jobs?

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Hourly Garbage Truck Hopper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hourly Garbage Truck Hopper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,460 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Garbage Truck Helper

Waste Pro

Cocoa, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Waste Pro rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 91 rated recycling and waste

Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Picks up solid waste and places it in the back of a rear load garbage truck on specified routes often done manually or by pushing toter to tipper. Lifts and carries trash bags, bulk items and containers to the truck for disposal. Climbs onto and off of the rear truck step to load refuse, waste and carts. Operates packing mechanism to compact waste into the truck.
2. Provides a safe and Distinguishably Different level of service through courteous and expeditious customer service in all aspects of refuse operation to the general public and customers. Exhibits a positive attitude towards company, customer and municipal goals.
3. Ensures garbage and recyclables at residences are picked up and transferred properly; pick up may require using back door.
4. Answers questions for residents and directs them to contact Customer Service or appropriate government office for additional information.
5. Must comply with all ANSI (American National Standards Institute), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and company safety polices including Waste Pro Absolute Guidelines.
6. Assists Driver in safely backing up the truck by directing the Driver from the ground.
7. Cleans behind the compactor blade with shovel and hoe when directed. Sprays and cleans the hopper and truck at the end of each shift or as needed.
8. Reports any safety or customer service related issues to driver and supervisor, immediately.
9. Performs a variety of manual duties in the clean-up of scattered refuse; Cleans up the area around accidental waste spills and ensures customers containers are replaced properly.
10. May be required to work during emergency situations.
11. Assists other routes as needed to complete daily work.
12. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Employees in this job classification must attend and participate in corporation sponsored training courses as assigned.
* Employees in this job classification are responsible for keeping up to date on current technology, as job appropriate, being used by Waste Pro .
* Any additional job duties that may be assigned by the Supervisor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in a variety of environment conditions, including wide temperature and weather variations including heat, cold, snow, rain, wind; noise and vibrations, fumes, odors and dust.

QUALIFICATIONS:
* Be able to follow safe operating practices.
* Be able to learn and use interpersonal skills relating to good customer service
* Be able and willing to work in a team environment
* Be able to read, write and comprehend reports well enough to complete daily assignments.

Special Considerations/Physical Work Requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
1. Physically able to push or pull independently (unassisted) 50 pounds between 800 and 1000 times a day
2. Physically able to lift independently (unassisted) 50 pounds from the ground to waist height between 800 and 1000 times a day
3. Physically able to get up and down from the cab of a commercial motor vehicle between 800 and 1000 times a day
4. Physically able to bend at the waist and knees between 800 and 1000 times a day
5. Physically able to work 8 to 12 hours in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain and snow)
6. Ability to ride on the outside of the truck while servicing residential customers in low MPH areas.

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