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Refuse Collector 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 Goose Creek, SC

Refuse Collector

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

$17.13/hr

One-year experience as a Refuse Collector preferred. * Experience in a Sanitation department is desirable. * Any combination of education and experience totaling one year may be considered. KNOWLEDGE ...

Oklahoma City

Refuse Collector I - City

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$18.19 - $28.20/hr

This position may be underfilled as a Refuse Collector Trainee with a pay range of 409 - $18.19 - $28.20 hourly. ELIGIBILITY LIST PREFERENCE ORDER Full-time City employees will receive preference in ...

Oklahoma City

Refuse Collector I - City

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$18.19 - $28.20/hr

This position may be underfilled as a Refuse Collector Trainee with a pay range of 409 - $18.19 - $28.20 hourly. ELIGIBILITY LIST PREFERENCE ORDER Full-time City employees will receive preference in ...

City of Norfolk, VA

Refuse Collector II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$48K - $81K/yr

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

City of Norfolk, VA

Refuse Collector III

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$51K - $85K/yr

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

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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Refuse Collector information

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$9

$19

$34

How much do refuse collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse collector 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Refuse collectors typically do not earn $2000 a day; their pay depends on location, experience, and union agreements, usually resulting in lower daily wages. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2000 daily often include specialized roles such as surgeons, corporate executives, or certain high-level consultants, which require advanced skills, certifications, and experience. These roles are generally found in industries like healthcare, finance, or technology and may involve long hours or high responsibility.

What Is a Refuse Collector?

Refuse collectors remove trash from their assigned locations. They typically work for municipalities or private refuse companies to empty garbage and recycling bins along a public route. Some positions require you to drive from house to house and empty trash cans manually into the garbage truck. Other refuse collectors are trained to operate vehicles equipped with a crane-like mechanism that grabs and dumps the contents of the trash receptacle into the truck. Once all the trash bins along the route have been empties the refuse collector drives the trash to the dump or recycling facility.

What do bin men get paid?

Refuse collectors, commonly known as bin men, typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually depending on experience, location, and employer. Wages may also include benefits such as health insurance and pension contributions, and the job often requires physical stamina and adherence to safety protocols.

What are refuse collectors?

Refuse collectors, also known as garbage collectors or sanitation workers, are responsible for collecting and transporting household waste, recyclables, and sometimes commercial refuse from homes and businesses to disposal or processing sites. They typically work as part of a crew, riding on waste collection vehicles, lifting and emptying bins, and ensuring that neighborhoods remain clean and hygienic. The job requires physical stamina, attention to safety, and knowledge of local waste disposal regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by Refuse Collectors, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Refuse Collectors often face challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling heavy or awkward loads, and maintaining safety around traffic and machinery. New hires can prepare by building physical stamina, familiarizing themselves with proper lifting techniques, and reviewing safety protocols provided during training. Open communication with team members and supervisors is also important to ensure a smooth workflow and address any issues that arise during collection rounds.

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

AspectRefuse CollectorWaste Management Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; valid driver’s licenseHigh school diploma; may require certifications in waste handling or safety
Work EnvironmentOn-route collection, residential/commercial areasWaste processing facilities, maintenance sites
Industry UsagePrimarily in waste collection servicesIn waste processing and environmental services

Refuse Collectors focus on collecting waste from residential and commercial areas, operating trucks and following collection routes. Waste Management Technicians often work in waste processing facilities, handling waste treatment, recycling, and safety procedures. While both roles involve waste management, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

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 good physical fitness, stamina, and basic knowledge of waste management procedures, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with refuse collection vehicles, safety equipment, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for efficiently handling routes and maintaining safety. These skills ensure timely waste removal, compliance with safety standards, and effective service to the community.

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

Refuse collectors typically do not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; their salaries usually range from $30,000 to $50,000 annually. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $10,000 monthly without a degree often include roles in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require experience, skills, or licensing rather than formal education.

How do I become a refuse collector?

To become a refuse collector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. On-the-job training is common, and physical stamina is important for lifting and operating collection equipment; some employers may require a commercial driver's license (CDL).
More about Refuse Collector jobs
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Refuse Collector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refuse Collector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,191 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Refuse Collector

Amentum

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 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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