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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 ...

City of New Braunfels, TX

Refuse Collector

New Braunfels, TX · On-site

$16.23 - $19.48/hr

Refuse Collector I range: $16.23 - $19.48 Refuse Collector II range: $16.88 - $20.26 Refuse Collector III range: $18.26 - $21.92 Welcome, 'ist das Leben schön!' (Life is good!) At the City of New ...

Pae

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 ...

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 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 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 Gastonia

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 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 ...

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 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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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How much do refuse collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 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 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 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 a Refuse Collector job description?

A refuse collector, also known as a waste collector, is responsible for collecting and disposing of trash and recyclables from residential, commercial, or industrial areas. The job involves operating collection vehicles, following safety procedures, and working outdoors on a scheduled basis. Physical stamina and attention to safety regulations are important for this role.

What do refuse collectors get paid?

Refuse collectors typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often work early morning or evening shifts and may need a valid driver's license and physical stamina for the job.

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.

How do I become a garbage 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 handling heavy loads and working outdoors. Some positions may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or specialized certifications depending on the employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a garbage collector?

To become a refuse collector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical stamina, and the ability to operate collection vehicles. Some positions may require a valid driver's license and knowledge of safety procedures; training is often provided on the job.
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Refuse Collector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refuse Collector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% 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

Re-posted yesterday

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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