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Refuse Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Emterra Environmental USA

Loader

Bad Axe, MI

$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 Group, Inc.

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 ...

DeKalb County

Refuse Collector

Decatur, GA

$19/hr

Collects refuse along assigned route; rides on back of rear-loading sanitation truck; retrieves ... Performs manual labor in support of other County operations as needed; lifts, moves, loads, and ...

DeKalb County

Refuse Collector

Decatur, GA · On-site

$19/hr

Collects refuse along assigned route; rides on back of rear-loading sanitation truck; retrieves ... Performs manual labor in support of other County operations as needed; lifts, moves, loads, and ...

East Carolina University

Refuse Worker

Greenville, NC · On-site

$35K - $40K/yr

Primary Purpose of Position Primary responsibility will be, but not limited to, driving a front-end loader garbage truck, collecting refuse on the ECU campus. Other duties include driving Hook-lift ...

United Pacific Waste

Refuse Driver

Los Angeles, CA

We are seeking a Refuse Driver to join our team! You will be responsible for safely operating a ... Pick up trash containers, load truck and go to the dump Qualifications: * Previous experience in ...

East Carolina University

Refuse Worker

Greenville, NC · On-site

$35K - $40K/yr

Primary Purpose of Position Primary responsibility will be, but not limited to, driving a front-end loader garbage truck, collecting refuse on the ECU campus. Other duties include driving Hook-lift ...

United Pacific Waste

Refuse Driver

Los Angeles, CA

We are seeking a Refuse Driver to join our team! You will be responsible for safely operating a ... Pick up trash containers, load truck and go to the dump Qualifications: * Previous experience in ...

Waste Connections of Canada

Residential Loader

Penn, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Ride on garbage truck to assist the Driver service customers - will load refuse bags and bring containers to the truck for proper disposal. * Directing the truck driver when backing * Assisting with ...

Waste Connections Inc

Residential Loader

Penn, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Ride on garbage truck to assist the Driver service customers - will load refuse bags and bring containers to the truck for proper disposal. * Directing the truck driver when backing * Assisting with ...

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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.

Loader

Emterra Environmental USA

Bad Axe, MI

$20.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Loader
Location: Bad Axe, MI
Company Overview: Emterra Environmental USA Corp is a leading provider of integrated recycling resource management and waste disposal solutions to various sectors, including industrial, commercial, institutional (ICI), and municipalities. We are currently seeking Full-Time Loaders to join our team in Bad Axe, Michigan.
Benefits and Compensation:
  • Competitive starting pay of $20.85 per hour.
  • 401k plan with employer match.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Paid time off
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available for both employees and their families upon 90 days of employment.
Responsibilities:
  • Picks up solid waste and places it in the back of a rear load garbage truck on specific routes, often done manually or by pushing the tote to the tipper
  • Lifts and carries trash bags, bulk items, and containers to truck for disposal • 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 transported properly
Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED preferred
  • Must be able to pass criminal background check
  • Must be able to sit, kneel, crouch, stoop, crawl, balance, hear, talk and smell
  • Must be able to lift to 50 pounds
Join us in our mission to turn waste into resources and make a positive impact on the environment and communities we serve. Emterra Environmental USA Corp looks forward to welcoming dedicated and skilled individuals to our team.
Equal Opportunity Statement: Emterra Environmental USA Corp is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

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