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Refuse Collector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Muskogee

Solid Waste Operator

Muskogee, OK · On-site

$14.84/hr

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred but not required, with two years of experience as a refuse collector or driver of a heavy commercial vehicle desired. Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

Behavior Frontiers

Billing Collector

El Segundo, CA

$23 - $29/hr

We are currently looking to hire a full-time Medical Billing Collector to support the billing team ... Escalating issues when insurances and clients refuse to pay * Other duties, as assigned Job ...

Behavior Frontiers

Billing Collector

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

We are currently looking to hire a full-time Medical Billing Collector to support the billing team ... Escalating issues when insurances and clients refuse to pay * Other duties, as assigned Job ...

Behavior Frontiers

Billing Collector

El Segundo, CA

$23 - $29/hr

We are currently looking to hire a full-time Medical Billing Collector to support the billing team ... Escalating issues when insurances and clients refuse to pay * Other duties, as assigned Job ...

Corning

Solid Waste Collector

Phoenix, AZ

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Solid Waste Collector is responsible for the collection, sorting, transportation, and disposal ... refuse, according to established protocols. Transportation: Safely transport collected waste to ...

Corning

Solid Waste Collector

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Solid Waste Collector is responsible for the collection, sorting, transportation, and disposal ... refuse, according to established protocols. Transportation: Safely transport collected waste to ...

Corning

Solid Waste Collector

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Solid Waste Collector is responsible for the collection, sorting, transportation, and disposal ... refuse, according to established protocols. Transportation: Safely transport collected waste to ...

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Refuse Collector information

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$34

How much do refuse collector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Refuse collectors typically do not earn $2000 a day; their pay depends on location, experience, and union agreements, usually resulting in lower daily wages. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2000 daily often include specialized roles such as surgeons, corporate executives, or certain high-level consultants, which require advanced skills, certifications, and experience. These roles are generally found in industries like healthcare, finance, or technology and may involve long hours or high responsibility.

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 do bin men get paid?

Refuse collectors, commonly known as bin men, typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually depending on experience, location, and employer. Wages may also include benefits such as health insurance and pension contributions, and the job often requires physical stamina and adherence to safety protocols.

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 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.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Refuse collectors typically do not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; their salaries usually range from $30,000 to $50,000 annually. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $10,000 monthly without a degree often include roles in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require experience, skills, or licensing rather than formal education.

How do I become a refuse 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 lifting and operating collection equipment; some employers may require a commercial driver's license (CDL).
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Refuse Collector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refuse Collector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,191 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Solid Waste Operator

Solid Waste Operator

City of Muskogee

Muskogee, OK • On-site

$14.84/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:

Operates a variety of light and medium equipment trucks and specialized equipment in the hauling of residential and commercial refuse.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

  • Operates a residential and/or commercial truck to collect and transport solid waste to the appropriate location.
  • Washes and maintains sanitation vehicles; performs preventative maintenance on refuse vehicles including daily checks of fluid and adding fluid as required, drains air tanks on trucks; checks and replaces light bulbs as needed. Reports any deficiencies as found and sees that repairs are scheduled.
  • Collects and completes daily route schedules; reports all daily work to appropriate division staff member.
  • Assembles, issues, pulls and maintains City garbage carts as assigned.
  • Reports damaged containers; performs preventative repairs and maintenance to trash carts.
  • Maintains work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
  • Communicates with customers on routes.
  • Performs other work as necessary and or as assigned.
  • Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Solid Waste Operator reports directly to the Solid Waste Supervisor I.

The Solid Waste Operator does not have any direct reports or supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred but not required, with two years of experience as a refuse collector or driver of a heavy commercial vehicle desired.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Knowledge of geography and street locations within the city of Muskogee desired. Must be able to maintain cooperative working relationships with the general public including consumers and fellow employees. Ability to work long and sometimes irregular hours including infrequent evenings and weekends under difficult outdoor conditions also required. Must be able to follow oral and written instructions and maintain route records. Must have knowledge of traffic ordinances.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical requirements include constant walking and standing; frequent lifting and carrying up to eighty (80) pounds; occasional lifting and carrying more than sixty (60) pounds; frequent reaching, handling and twisting; occasional balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling and climbing; vision, speech and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks. Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential. Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Oklahoma CDL Class B.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work in this classification is primarily outdoors. Will travel within city. Exposure to wet, hot, cold and/or humid conditions.

Notice: This classification is a "safety sensitive" position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws. As a "safety sensitive" classification, you will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening. Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process, or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana.