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Refuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Refuse Collector

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

The Refuse Collector picks up refuse from homes, businesses and other locations and deposits those items in the Refuse vehicle. The Refuse Collector falls under Roads and Grounds and as such your ...

Pae

Refuse Collector

Williamsburg, VA

The Refuse Collector picks up refuse from homes, businesses and other locations and deposits those items in the Refuse vehicle. The Refuse Collector falls under Roads and Grounds and as such your ...

City Of Douglasville

REFUSE COLLECTOR

Douglasville, GA · On-site

$19.54/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Refuse Collector performs manual work of a routine nature that involves heavy physical labor as a member of a sanitation crew. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Maneuvers and positions garbage ...

City of Gastonia, NC

TRASH/REFUSE COLLECTOR

Gastonia, NC · On-site

$36K - $58K/yr

As a Trash/Refuse Collector, you will play a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of our city streets and neighborhoods by collecting and disposing of refuse and recyclable ...

City of Hanford

Refuse Collector - Part Time

Hanford, CA · On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Under supervision to perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled refuse collection duties on assigned residential or commercial routes; and to perform related duties as required. The working hours ...

City of Goose Creek, SC

Refuse Collector

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

$17.13/hr

JOB SUMMARY As a Refuse Collector, you will be part of a hardworking team responsible for collecting residential waste, yard debris, and bulky items throughout the City. This position is ideal for ...

City of Norfolk, VA

Refuse Collector I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$46K - $78K/yr

The City of Norfolk's department of Public Works is seeking a Refuse Collector I for our Waste Management Division. This position is responsible for collecting waste from residential property ...

DeKalb County

Refuse Collector

Decatur, GA

$19/hr

Collects refuse along assigned route; rides on back of rear-loading sanitation truck; retrieves trash bin, containers, or bags from along route; empties trash bins and containers into truck; operates ...

DeKalb County

Refuse Collector

Decatur, GA · On-site

$19/hr

Collects refuse along assigned route; rides on back of rear-loading sanitation truck; retrieves trash bin, containers, or bags from along route; empties trash bins and containers into truck; operates ...

City Of Roswell

Refuse Collector

Roswell, GA · On-site

$13.80 - $17.93/hr

Receives and responds to customer questions and complaints regarding problems pertaining to refuse; reports questions and complaints to direct supervisor. * Operates packer on garbage truck or other ...

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How much do refuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse in the United States is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs are expected to decline?

Jobs involving routine manual tasks, such as assembly line work and data entry, are expected to decline due to automation and technological advancements. Additionally, roles in sectors like retail and administrative support may decrease as online services and AI tools become more prevalent. Workers in these fields may need to develop new skills to adapt to changing job markets.

What are refuse workers?

Refuse workers, also known as garbage collectors or sanitation workers, are responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste and recyclable materials from homes, businesses, and public areas. They typically operate garbage trucks, lift and empty bins, and ensure that waste is properly sorted and managed according to local regulations. Refuse workers play a vital role in maintaining public health and cleanliness in communities.

What is the difference between Refuse vs Waste Collector?

AspectRefuseWaste Collector
Primary RoleDisposing of household or commercial wasteCollecting and transporting waste from various locations
Work EnvironmentLandfills, waste processing facilities, residential areasOn the road, residential and commercial areas, waste collection sites
CredentialsMay require a valid driver’s license, safety trainingDriver’s license, physical fitness, safety certifications

Refuse generally refers to the waste material itself, while Waste Collector is the job responsible for collecting and transporting that waste. Both roles are essential in waste management, with Refuse being the material and Waste Collector being the worker handling it.

What are some common challenges faced by refuse collectors, and how can they be managed on the job?

Refuse collectors often face physical challenges such as lifting heavy bins, exposure to varying weather conditions, and navigating traffic during collection routes. Managing these challenges typically involves adhering to safety protocols, using proper lifting techniques, and wearing protective gear. Teams usually work closely to support each other, and many organizations provide regular training on safety and equipment handling to minimize risks and improve efficiency.

What jobs pay 250 an hour?

High-paying jobs that can reach $250 an hour include specialized roles such as experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, and certain consulting or freelance professionals with advanced skills. These positions often require extensive education, certifications, or significant experience, and may involve working in private practice, consulting firms, or specialized industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refuse Collector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refuse Collector, you generally need physical stamina, attention to safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, compactors, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining public health, ensuring efficient waste removal, and supporting a safe working environment.

What is a refuse job?

A refuse job involves collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste and recyclables from residential, commercial, or industrial sites. Workers in this field typically operate garbage trucks, follow safety protocols, and may need a commercial driver's license (CDL).
More about Refuse jobs
What cities are hiring for Refuse jobs? Cities with the most Refuse job openings:
What states have the most Refuse jobs? States with the most job openings for Refuse jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Refuse jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Refuse jobs are:
Refuse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refuse job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,468 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Refuse Collector

Refuse Collector

Amentum

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Amentum is seeking a Refuse Collector in the Williamsburg area of Virginia. The Refuse Collector picks up refuse from homes, businesses and other locations and deposits those items in the Refuse vehicle. The Refuse Collector falls under Roads and Grounds and as such your time maybe split between assisting the Grounds Maintenance Technicians and Refuse Collection.
Job Requirements:
  • Collect refuse from designated houses and/or businesses in a timely and efficient manner
  • Operate a refuse truck in a safe and courteous manner
  • Maintain a clean and orderly work area
  • Comply with all safety regulations
  • Report any maintenance problems with the truck to the supervisor
  • Keep an accurate log of houses/businesses serviced
  • Assist in the loading of refuse onto the truck
  • Sort refuse as necessary
  • Planting grass, flowers, trees, and shrubs, watering lawn and shrubs during dry periods.
  • Using a hose or activating sprinkler system.
  • Picking up and burning or carting away leaves, paper, or other litter.
  • Removing snow from walks, driveways, roads, or parking lots, using shovel and snow blower.
  • Spreading salt on walkways and other areas, repairing and painting fences, gates, benches, tables, guardrails, and outbuildings.
  • Assisting in the repair of road walk, buildings, and mechanical equipment, and may clean comfort stations, offices workshop areas, and parking lots by sweeping, washing, mopping, and polishing.

Minimum Requirements:
  • High school Diploma or GED
  • Standing, lifting, bending, carrying loads of 10-20 pounds during the duration of the shift.
  • Valid CDL or willing to obtain CDL within a year of acceptance of position
  • Valid Drivers License
  • US or Naturalized Citizen
  • Must posses an active government clearance at time of application

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States Military veterans status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, medical conditions including genetic characteristics or information, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran's status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information, veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.
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