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Refuse Collector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Residential Helper

Fayetteville, NC · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

As a Refuse Collector, you will ride on the back of the refuse vehicle, collect and pull karts to trash truck, use kart tipper to dump kart, verify the kart is empty, then put kart back where it was ...

New

Duties include driving and operating semi-automated refuse collection vehicles and collects residential refuse along city streets from residences and businesses. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: • ...

Responsible for the pickup of milk from various dairy farms and delivery to a central collection center. * Safely and efficiently operate a Class 8 CMV and tank trailer over a variety of streets ...

New

Responsible for the pickup of milk from various dairy farms and delivery to a central collection center. * Safely and efficiently operate a Class 8 CMV and tank trailer over a variety of streets ...

Operator Collector

Shreveport, LA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Class Title The Operator/Collector, Public Works is responsible for the collection of backdoor and ... waste from refuse vehicles. 2. May drive and operate refuse trucks, small pick-ups, and other ...

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Refuse Collector information

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$19

$34

How much do refuse collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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.

How much do refuse collectors get paid in the US?

Refuse collectors in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $37,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $55,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. They often work full-time schedules and may require physical stamina and knowledge of safety procedures.

Is there a demand for refuse collectors?

Refuse collectors are in steady demand due to ongoing waste management needs in many communities. Employment opportunities often depend on local government budgets, population size, and waste collection schedules, with physical stamina and knowledge of safety procedures being important for the role.

What cities are hiring for Refuse Collector jobs?

Cities with the most Refuse Collector job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Refuse Collector jobs?

The top employers for Refuse Collector jobs are:

What states have the most Refuse Collector jobs?

States with the most job openings for Refuse Collector jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Refuse Collector jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Refuse Collector jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Refuse Collector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,191 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

REFUSE COLLECTOR (TEMP TO PERM) DEPT. OF PUBIC WORKS

The City of Manchester, NH

Manchester, NH

$21.34 - $30.43/hr

Temporary

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

REFUSE COLLECTOR - 5330

GRADE - 104

PAY RANGE - $21.34 - $30.43/hr

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Collects refuse within City routes; performs directly related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to ensure the timely, safe and efficient collection of refuse. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of a Refuse Truck Driver and the Solid Waste Manager but some leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in an outdoor work environment with potential personal hazards.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:

  • Collects solid waste or recyclables on an assigned route;
  • Learns established City solid waste routes and usual collection points for residences and businesses;
  • Determines acceptability of solid waste or recyclables in accordance with Department standards and City ordinances;
  • Rakes, shovels and performs proper lifting techniques to move and collect solid waste and recyclable materials and replace containers;
  • Informs supervisors of problems associated with collection route and materials placed for disposal and maintains records of residences which have not placed solid waste for disposal;
  • Makes return visits to residences which have missed disposal to collect solid waste;
  • Provides input to supervisors concerning condition of vehicles, equipment, demisters and private solid waste containers or features prohibiting effective operations;
  • Maintains and cleans receptacles when practicable;
  • Performs pre- and post-route preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment including checking fuel, oil, transmission and hydraulic fluids, water and air;
  • Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
  • Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
  • Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
  • Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
  • Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
  • Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Substantial knowledge of Manchester City geography, streets and business locations;
  • Substantial knowledge of traffic hazards and traffic safety principles, practices and procedures;
  • Substantial knowledge of proper lifting techniques;
  • Some knowledge of preventative stretching exercises;
  • Ability to comprehend and follow safety rules and regulations;
  • Ability to communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
  • Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
  • Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
  • Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
  • Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

  • Graduation from High School or possession of a GED; and
  • Zero to two years of experience working in a team environment where strenuous physical work is shared equally among team members; or
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • None.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

  • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to understand department and safety rules and regulations and follow prescribed routes for the collection of solid waste and recyclables;
  • Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work safely in heavy traffic and residential areas and determine acceptability of solid waste and recyclable material placed for collection;
  • Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate solid waste equipment safely and effectively;
  • Sufficient physical strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to lift, carry and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently and 20 pounds constantly;
  • Sufficient personal mobility and flexibility which allows the employee to stoop, stand, walk, grasp, push and pull and climb continuously throughout various locations within the City.