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Refuse Collection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drives a refuse collection truck along an assigned route to collect solid waste, commercial waste, or yard waste. Transports refuse to landfill. Washes exterior or vehicle; keeps interior free of ...

... a refuse collection truck along an assigned route to collect solid waste, commercial waste, or yard waste. · Transports refuse to landfill. · Washes exterior or vehicle; keeps interior free of ...

Refuse Equipment Operator I/II

Merced, CA · On-site

$49.57K - $69.72K/yr

Learn to operate refuse collection equipment in the collection and transportation of commercial, industrial, and residential solid waste; learn to operate hydraulic picking and dumping controls on ...

Responsible for placing refuse in the collection vehicle manually. * Removes household refuse from residences. * Removes yard debris from residences. * Removes metal or white goods (bulky items) from ...

Summary This is responsible semi-skilled refuse collection work involving driving and operating a large sanitation packer, taking the lead with refuse collectors in the collection of refuse on ...

REFUSE ASSOCIATE

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$43.68K - $47.84K/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 ...

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 ...

REFUSE ASSOCIATE

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$43.68K - $47.84K/yr

Essential Duties 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 ...

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 ...

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Refuse Collection information

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$9

$19

$34

How much do refuse collection jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse collection in the United States is $19.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $23.32 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 need physical stamina, reliability, and basic knowledge of waste management and safety protocols, often supported by a valid driver's license. Familiarity with garbage trucks, lifting equipment, and sometimes handheld route tracking devices is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are valuable soft skills that help maintain efficiency and safety. These skills ensure refuse is collected promptly and safely, contributing to public health and community cleanliness.

What are some common challenges faced by refuse collection workers, and how can they be managed?

Refuse collection workers often encounter challenges such as handling heavy loads, working in varying weather conditions, and adhering to strict collection schedules. To manage these challenges, workers are typically provided with safety training, appropriate personal protective equipment, and mechanical aids for lifting. Communication and teamwork are also crucial, as crews coordinate to efficiently cover routes and ensure community cleanliness. Adapting to early morning shifts and maintaining awareness of safety protocols help ensure a safe and productive work environment.

What are refuse collection workers?

Refuse collection workers, also known as garbage collectors or sanitation workers, are responsible for collecting and disposing of waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and public areas. They operate garbage trucks, load refuse, and transport it to disposal or recycling facilities. Their work is essential for maintaining public health and cleanliness within communities. Refuse collection workers often work early hours and in various weather conditions to ensure waste is managed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Refuse Collection vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectRefuse CollectionWaste Management Technician
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often requiredEnvironmental certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on-route with trucksIndoor/outdoor, handling waste processing equipment
Industry UsagePublic sanitation servicesWaste processing and recycling facilities

Refuse Collection involves collecting waste from residential or commercial areas using trucks, focusing on pickup and transportation. Waste Management Technicians often work in waste processing plants, handling recycling and disposal equipment. While both roles deal with waste, refuse collection is primarily about collection and transportation, whereas waste management technicians focus on processing and environmental compliance.

More about Refuse Collection jobs
What cities are hiring for Refuse Collection jobs? Cities with the most Refuse Collection job openings:
What states have the most Refuse Collection jobs? States with the most job openings for Refuse Collection jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Refuse Collection jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Refuse Collection jobs are:
Refuse Driver

Full-time

Posted 5 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:

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Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Lynchburg, VA, US

Year founded

2020

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