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Refuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duties include driving and operating semi-automated refuse collection vehicles and collects residential refuse along city streets from residences and businesses. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: • ...

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 ...

Refuse Collection Team Member We are seeking qualified candidates who enjoy working outdoors in a fast paced environment and want to be part of the Refuse Collection team. Duties include driving and ...

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 ...

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 ...

Refuse Collector

Frederick, MD · On-site

$23.53 - $25.29/hr

Under general supervision, the Refuse Collector collects curbside and containerized refuse and places it into the collection vehicle. An employee in this position is considered "essential personnel ...

Removes household refuse from residences. * Removes yard debris from residences. * Removes metal or white goods (bulky items) from residences. * Assists driver with routine maintenance and cleaning ...

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 ...

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 ...

REFUSE ASSOCIATE

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$43K - $47K/yr

Description The Department of Public Works is looking for motivated individuals to join our Refuse Team. This is a great opportunity to make a visible difference in your community while building a ...

REFUSE ASSOCIATE

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$43K - $47K/yr

Refuse Collection Opening Date: 05/26/2026 Description The Department of Public Works is looking for motivated individuals to join our Refuse Team. This is a great opportunity to make a visible ...

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How much do refuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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 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 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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Refuse job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 79% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,468 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Refuse Driver

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION: We are seeking qualified candidates who enjoy working outdoors in a fast paced environment and want to be part of the Refuse Collection team. Duties include driving and operating semi-automated refuse collection vehicles and collects residential refuse along city streets from residences and businesses. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: • Drives and operates manual, fully and semi-automated refuse collection trucks, including side loading and rear loading trucks over prescribed routes to manual collection of residential refuse along city streets from residences, and small businesses.

• Operates hydraulic mechanism for compressing and dumping refuse; • Drives and operates dead animal/special; pick-up truck as needed; • Operates knuckleboom to collect bulk and brush; • Administers Solid Waste Ordinance by issuing violation notices as necessary to address noncompliance for collection; reports violations of refuse ordinances to Refuse Manager; • Collaborates with the Refuse Enforcement Team; • Provides information to customers and explains refuse policies and procedures; • Ensures safety of City vehicles, trash containers and pedestrian cans. • Performs daily equipment checks, fuels vehicles, routine equipment cleaning, preventative maintenance and minor repairs to equipment; • Participates in the design of strategies to enhance and improve the refuse collection team; • Functions as a team member in a variety of operational duties, requiring ongoing change in job duties, cross training, rotating job assignments and interacting in a team-based work environment; • Enter data/violations on tablet/computer; • Participates in safety, technical and team training; • Available for emergency duty during snow removal and other emergency situations; • Assist with training new hires and temporary staff as needed; • Sets the example by modeling the expectations set forth by the Department of Public Works; ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned. • When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.


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Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Lynchburg, VA, US

Year founded

2020

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