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Refuse Collector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Refuse Collector information

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How much do refuse collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 (TEMP TO PERM) DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

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

The City of Manchester, NH

Manchester, NH

$21.34 - $30.43/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

REFUSE COLLECTOR - TEMP TO PERM

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.