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Refuse Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Refuse Collector

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

The Refuse Collector falls under Roads and Grounds and as such your time maybe split between ... Standing, lifting, bending, carrying loads of 10-20 pounds during the duration of the shift.

Amentum

Refuse Collector

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

The Refuse Collector falls under Roads and Grounds and as such your time maybe split between ... Standing, lifting, bending, carrying loads of 10-20 pounds during the duration of the shift.

City Of Douglasville

REFUSE COLLECTOR

Douglasville, GA · On-site

$19.54/hr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Maneuvers and positions garbage carts; loads refuse, yard waste, and approved bulk or special materials into sanitation trucks using manual methods or mechanized equipment ...

City of Gastonia, NC

TRASH/REFUSE COLLECTOR

Gastonia, NC · On-site

$36K - $58K/yr

Loads refuse onto trucks; Cleans area around cans * Cleans refuse truck and equipment; Cleans, repairs, dismantles, washes & assembles solid waste carts * Guides truck operator in congested areas;

City of Gastonia

TRASH/REFUSE COLLECTOR

Gastonia, NC

$36K - $58K/yr

Manually collects carts and dumps into the rear loader trucks Rakes, vacuums & removes leaves and brushes on City streets and curbs Loads refuse onto trucks; Cleans area around cans Cleans refuse ...

Emterra Group

Loader

Port Huron, MI · On-site

$20.85/hr

Job Title: Loader Location: Port Huron Company Overview: Emterra Environmental USA Corp is a ... Ensures that refuse at residences is picked up and transported properly Requirements: * High school ...

Emterra Environmental USA

Loader

Port Huron, MI · On-site

$20.85/hr

Climbs on and off the rear of truck to load refuse, waste, and carts. * Assists driver to safely back up truck by assisting from the ground. * Ensures that refuse at residences is picked up and ...

Emterra Environmental USA

Loader

Port Huron, MI

$20.85/hr

Job Title: Loader Location: Port Huron Company Overview: Emterra Environmental USA Corp is a ... Ensures that refuse at residences is picked up and transported properly Requirements: * High school ...

Emterra Group, Inc.

Loader

Port Huron, MI · On-site

$20.85/hr

Job Title: Loader Location: Port Huron Company Overview: Emterra Environmental USA Corp is a ... Ensures that refuse at residences is picked up and transported properly Requirements: * High school ...

Emterra Group

Loader

Bad Axe, MI · On-site

$20.85/hr

Job Title: Loader Location: Bad Axe, MI Company Overview: Emterra Environmental USA Corp is a ... Ensures that refuse at residences is picked up and transported properly Requirements: * High school ...

Emterra Environmental USA

Loader

Bad Axe, MI · On-site

$20.85/hr

Loader Emterra Environmental USA Corp is a leading provider of integrated recycling resource ... Ensures that refuse at residences is picked up and transported properly Requirements: * High school ...

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Refuse Loader information

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How much do refuse loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse loader in the United States is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Refuse Loader vs Waste Collection Operative?

AspectRefuse LoaderWaste Collection Operative
CredentialsNone typically required, some roles may need basic health and safety trainingSimilar; often no formal qualifications needed, but training is provided
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on collection routes, physically demandingOutdoor, on collection routes, physically demanding
Industry UsageCommonly used in local councils and waste management companiesUsed interchangeably in the industry, often referring to the same role

Both roles involve physically collecting and loading waste materials from residential or commercial properties. The terms are often used interchangeably, with no significant difference in duties or qualifications. The main focus is on manual labor in outdoor environments, working as part of a waste collection team.

What is a refuse loader?

Refuse Loaders are workers responsible for collecting and disposing of waste from residential, commercial, and public areas. They load garbage, recyclables, and other refuse onto collection trucks, ensuring proper handling and safety procedures. Refuse Loaders may also assist in sorting recyclables and maintaining cleanliness around collection points. Their work is essential for public health and environmental cleanliness, often requiring physical stamina and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a refuse loader?

To thrive as a Refuse Loader, you need good physical fitness, basic literacy and numeracy skills, and often a willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, health and safety protocols, and in some cases a valid driver's license are typically required. Teamwork, reliability, and attention to detail are important soft skills for maintaining efficiency and ensuring community safety. These skills ensure that refuse is collected safely and efficiently, supporting public health and environmental standards.

What are the most common challenges faced by a refuse loader, and how can they be managed?

Refuse Loaders often encounter physically demanding tasks, such as lifting heavy bins and working in various weather conditions. Managing these challenges involves using proper lifting techniques, wearing appropriate protective gear, and maintaining good communication with team members for safety. Additionally, working efficiently as part of a crew helps ensure timely route completion and reduces individual strain. Many employers also provide training on safe handling practices and may rotate tasks to prevent repetitive strain.
More about Refuse Loader jobs
What job categories do people searching Refuse Loader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Refuse Loader jobs are:
Refuse Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refuse Loader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,404 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Refuse Collector

Pae

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Amentum is seeking a Refuse Collector in the Williamsburg area of Virginia. The Refuse Collector picks up refuse from homes, businesses and other locations and deposits those items in the Refuse vehicle. The Refuse Collector falls under Roads and Grounds and as such your time maybe split between assisting the Grounds Maintenance Technicians and Refuse Collection.

Job Requirements:

  • Collect refuse from designated houses and/or businesses in a timely and efficient manner
  • Operate a refuse truck in a safe and courteous manner
  • Maintain a clean and orderly work area
  • Comply with all safety regulations
  • Report any maintenance problems with the truck to the supervisor
  • Keep an accurate log of houses/businesses serviced
  • Assist in the loading of refuse onto the truck
  • Sort refuse as necessary
  • Planting grass, flowers, trees, and shrubs, watering lawn and shrubs during dry periods.
  • Using a hose or activating sprinkler system.
  • Picking up and burning or carting away leaves, paper, or other litter.
  • Removing snow from walks, driveways, roads, or parking lots, using shovel and snow blower.
  • Spreading salt on walkways and other areas, repairing and painting fences, gates, benches, tables, guardrails, and outbuildings.
  • Assisting in the repair of road walk, buildings, and mechanical equipment, and may clean comfort stations, offices workshop areas, and parking lots by sweeping, washing, mopping, and polishing.

Minimum Requirements:

  • High school Diploma or GED
  • Standing, lifting, bending, carrying loads of 10-20 pounds during the duration of the shift.
  • Valid CDL or willing to obtain CDL within a year of acceptance of position
  • Valid Drivers License
  • US or Naturalized Citizen
  • Must posses an active government clearance at time of application

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States Military veterans status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, medical conditions including genetic characteristics or information, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran's status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information, veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.

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