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Refuse Collector Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 Collector information

See Georgia salary details

$8

$16

$28

How much do refuse collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse collector 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 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 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?

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 are popular job titles related to Refuse Collector jobs in Georgia?

For Refuse Collector jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refuse Collector jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Refuse Collector jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Refuse Collector jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Refuse Collector job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Refuse Collector jobs in GA?

For Refuse Collector jobs in GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Refuse Collector job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,781 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

$19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Dekalb County (Georgia) rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

729th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

 Salary Grade: 6   Salary:   $19.00 per hour    FLSA: Nonexempt  

This classification is safety sensitive, subject to random drug testing in accordance with the County's Drug & Alcohol Policy.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

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 container arm, lift, and compactor mechanisms as needed; and returns bins and containers to their proper place.

Performs manual labor in support of other County operations as needed; lifts, moves, loads, and unloads materials, equipment, tools, furniture, and supplies; digs ditches, trenches, and holes manually or utilizing power equipment; shovels, rakes, spreads, compacts, and levels dirt, rock, asphalt, cement, and other materials; performs grounds keeping functions; cleans buildings, restrooms, or other facilities; retrieves supplies, materials, tools, equipment and other items and runs various errands as needed; collects and transports materials, supplies, tools, and equipment to and from the worksite; and removes litter, debris, and deceased animals from roadways and other County property.

Assists in setting up special events/activities; installs, erects, or hangs holiday decorations; assists with traffic control during event; and assists with cleanup after events.

Follows established safety procedures; utilizes safety equipment and wears protective gear; monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks/equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project/work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and reports any incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.

Operates a variety of machinery, equipment, and tools associated with department projects, which may include a service truck, pump, probing rod, tamper, jack hammer, lawn mower, riding mower, edger, weed eater, chipper/mulcher, leaf blower, sod cutter, spreader, tiller, chain saw, power saw, hand saw, concrete saw, air compressor, pickaxe, sledgehammer, rake, post hole digger, shovel, hand tools, measuring instruments, or two-way radio.

Performs general cleaning and maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting equipment, checking/replacing fluids, refueling vehicles, performing minor equipment repairs, greasing equipment, sharpening blades, replacing parts, washing/cleaning equipment, or cleaning shop or work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; and reports faulty equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED preferred; previous work experience involving equipment operation or construction/maintenance work preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:  None

At DeKalb County Government, we enable career success by providing opportunities to thrive! Our culture is rooted in principles of collaboration, teamwork, and achievements. We foster a diversified and inclusive workforce, embracing a shared set of core values based on character, competitive spirit, relationships, and giving back to the communities where we live and work. This foundation is how we help turn jobs into careers.

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