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Refuse Collector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HJ Staffing

Refuse Collector (Sanitation)

Laredo, TX · On-site

About the Role HJ Staffing is hiring Trash Collectors to support the client's Solid Waste operations. In this role, you'll play a hands-on part in keeping Laredo clean collecting residential and ...

HJ Staffing

Refuse Collector (Sanitation)

Laredo, TX · On-site

About the Role HJ Staffing is hiring Trash Collectors to support the client's Solid Waste operations. In this role, you'll play a hands-on part in keeping Laredo clean collecting residential and ...

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Refuse Collector information

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How much do refuse collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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.
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Refuse Collector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refuse Collector job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,191 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Refuse Collector - City of Plant City

Plant City, FL • On-site

Ad-vance Talent Solutions
See more jobs at Ad-vance Talent Solutionsexternal

Full-time

PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Solid Waste Collector

Plant City, FL

Pay Rate: $20.00/hr.


11 Paid Holidays, PTO and Benefits offered.


Schedule: Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for heavy manual work in the collection and disposal of solid waste.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

  • Handles, carries and empties receptacles and bags containing solid waste. Handles and carries yard trash such as limbs and leaves. Deposits waste into a collection vehicle. Operates compaction mechanism of the vehicle.
  • Rides on a platform on the collection vehicle between stops, frequently stepping off and on the step
  • Operates one or more of the following occasionally on an assigned basis:
  • Pick-up trucks, some with automated lift gate
  • Lawn maintenance equipment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to read, understand and implement instructions
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor collecting solid waste

Education and Experience:

  • Graduation from high school or possession of a GED certificate; and any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.

Certificates and Licenses:

N/A

Environmental Conditions:

  • Works in varying weather conditions and in traffic

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Emergency Responsibilities:

In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, Emergency Management or City Administration. Such assignments may be before, during or after the emergency/disaster.