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Refuse Collection Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

A & Associates

GA - Waste Helper, Jackson GA

Jackson, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

NATURE OF WORK This is heavy manual labor in the collection and disposal of refuse and recyclable material, including yard trash. Employees in this class perform routine work as part of a crew in ...

City Of Roswell

Truck Driver Commercial I

Roswell, GA · On-site

$18.77 - $24.39/hr

... dumps refuse in designated areas of landfill; informs supervisor of damaged containers or poorly-maintained collection sites; lifts/moves heavy materials. * Obeys all traffic laws and safety ...

Wastequip

Field Service Technician

Lithia Springs, GA · On-site

$30 - $37.50/hr

Has ability to work on and around HD Class 8 truck chassis and bodies in the refuse industry ... Waste collection equipment knowledge will be a large plus for this position * Clean driving record

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$8

$16

$28

How much do refuse collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse collection in Georgia is $16.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $19.71 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.

How hard is it to become a garbage collector?

Becoming a refuse collector typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to perform physically demanding work. Most positions involve operating collection trucks and following safety protocols, with on-the-job training provided; some areas may require a commercial driver's license (CDL).

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can reach $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, and certain executive positions. These roles typically require advanced education, extensive experience, and often involve high levels of responsibility and skill. Freelance consulting, investment banking, and some entrepreneurial ventures can also generate such daily earnings for experienced professionals.

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.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Refuse collection jobs typically do not pay $10,000 a month without specialized skills or management roles. High-paying positions in waste management or sanitation usually require experience, certifications, or supervisory responsibilities. Most roles in this field pay lower wages, but some managerial or private sector positions can reach higher earnings with experience.

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 cities in Georgia are hiring for Refuse Collection jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Refuse Collection job openings:
Refuse Collection jobs near you
Waste Collection Route Supervisor G124

Waste Collection Route Supervisor G124

Columbus Consolidated Government

Columbus, GA • On-site

$52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary : $52,949.92 Annually
Location : Public Works, 1152 Cusseta Rd, Columbus, GA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-00000305
Department: Public Works
Division: Solid Waste Collections
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: 7/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Major Duties and Responsibilities
This position is responsible for supervising the work of employees and inmates engaged in collecting materials for recycling and solid waste. This position is responsible for the training of new drivers in the proper operation of a refuse/recycling truck and the proper techniques of standard safety protocol.
  • Supervises and trains drivers and inmate crews; checks inmates for contraband; counsels and disciplines personnel; conducts employee performance evaluations and inmate evaluations.
  • Assign routes and map information to drivers; reorganize routes as needed.
  • Performs daily inspections of vehicles and equipment; ensures that vehicles are stocked with appropriate material and supplies; performs maintenance.
  • Attend supervisor meetings to review tasks; attend weekly safety meetings; train employees and inmate crews.
  • Provides customer information; records complaints and informs appropriate personnel.
  • Assigns map and route information to drivers; reorganizes routes as needed. • Responds to and resolves customer complaints.
  • Spot checks routes for completion.
  • Performs special pick-ups of hazardous waste; responds to emergencies.
  • Conducts daily briefings with crews regarding activities.
  • Distributes collection carts.
  • Promotes recycling at city-sanctioned events.
  • Drives the collection truck in the event of staffing shortages.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of the use of mechanical, office, and communication equipment.
  • Knowledge of supervisory techniques.
  • Knowledge of safety regulations.
  • Knowledge and skill in training drivers for lead driver duties.
  • Skill in the use of computer applications; OUTLOOK, EXCEL, Q-Alert, WORD, and industry routing software.
  • Skill in reading maps.
  • Skill in the operation of a truck.
  • Skill in understanding and following oral and written instructions.
  • Skill in dealing with the public.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Minimum Educational and Training Requirements
Knowledge and level of competency are commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the occupational field, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. This position is required to supervise state inmate labor. Employee must pass the Department of Corrections two-day certification within the time frame required by this department, which is normally six months, but may be altered. CDL License preferred.
Physical Requirements
The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
  • Climbing - ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility.
  • Crawling - moving about on hands, knees, or hands, feet.
  • Crouching - bending body forward by bending leg, spine.
  • Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
  • Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
  • Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
  • Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
  • Hearing 2 - receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound.
  • Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
  • Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
  • Manual Dexterity - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
  • Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
  • Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug.
  • Pushing - use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward.
  • Reaching - extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
  • Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
  • Standing - for sustained periods of time.
  • Stooping - bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
  • Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.
  • Talking 2 - shouting to be heard above ambient noise.
  • Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
  • Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
  • Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
  • Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment.
  • Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.
  • Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

The work is typically performed in a stockroom, warehouse, or outdoors, where the employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and cold or inclement weather. The work is performed in an office setting with the use of computers, computer applications, and communication equipment. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.
The Columbus Consolidated Government is proud to offer an exceptional compensation and benefits package. Benefits include the following:
  • Low-cost Medical Insurance
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Dental Plan
  • Vision Plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • Credit Union
  • Direct Deposit
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Vacation Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • PERK Time Off
  • Retirement Plan
  • Supplemental Retirement Plan
  • Free and Discounted Services
  • Employee Assistance Program

Take advantage of these free and discounted City Services offered to all City Employees.
  • Discounted Movie Tickets
  • Free Notary Services
  • Ride a Metra Bus for Free
  • Free Mulch
  • Free Fire/Safety Home Inspection
  • Driver's Training for Employee Dependents
  • Oxbow/Bull Creek Golf Course discounts
  • River Center Discounts
  • Cell Phone Carrier Discounts

Retirement Plan
The Columbus Consolidated Government offers a defined benefit retirement plan to eligible employees who work in General Government and in Public Safety. Employees in the pension plan must meet both age and years of service requirements to qualify for retirement. The current vesting period is ten years, and the current pension contribution rate is 8% of your gross salary.
Supplemental Retirement Plan
The Columbus Consolidated Government offers a Deferred Compensation Plan or supplemental retirement plan that is tax deferred. This plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary, before federal and state taxes, to a retirement account. Your compensation is more than a paycheck, it allows you to plan for your financial future as well.
01
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Which best describes your level of education? (You will be asked to provide documentation)
  • No High School Diploma
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Technical College
  • Some College
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate's Degree

03
How many years of professional level responsible supervisory or managerial experience do you have?
  • None
  • 0 - 1 year
  • 1 - 3 years
  • 3 - 5 years
  • 5 years or more

04
Please list and explain any work experience you have with the regulations and policies utilized in the supervision of inmate laborers.
05
Please list and explain any work experience you have with safety precautions.
06
How many years of experience in this area do you have?
  • None
  • 0 - 1
  • 1 - 3
  • 3 - 5
  • 5 years or more

Required Question

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