ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Refuse Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

DeKalb County

Refuse Collector

Decatur, GA

$19/hr

Collects refuse along assigned route; rides on back of rear-loading sanitation truck; retrieves trash bin, containers, or bags from along route; empties trash bins and containers into truck; operates ...

DeKalb County

Refuse Collector

Decatur, GA · On-site

$19/hr

Collects refuse along assigned route; rides on back of rear-loading sanitation truck; retrieves trash bin, containers, or bags from along route; empties trash bins and containers into truck; operates ...

City Of Roswell

Refuse Collector

Roswell, GA · On-site

$13.80 - $17.93/hr

Receives and responds to customer questions and complaints regarding problems pertaining to refuse; reports questions and complaints to direct supervisor. * Operates packer on garbage truck or other ...

CITY OF VALDOSTA

Refuse Collection Driver

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$19.05/hr

Drives a refuse collection truck along an assigned route to collect solid waste, commercial waste, or yard waste. Transports refuse to landfill. Washes exterior or vehicle; keeps interior free of ...

City of Valdosta

Refuse Collection Driver

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$19.05/hr

... a refuse collection truck along an assigned route to collect solid waste, commercial waste, or yard waste. · Transports refuse to landfill. · Washes exterior or vehicle; keeps interior free of ...

City of Thomasville

REFUSE EOP/CDL

Thomasville, GA · On-site

JOB SUMMARY The Refuse Equipment Operator/CDL is responsible for safely operating solid waste vehicles and heavy equipment to collect and transport waste and recyclables. This position requires a ...

City of Thomasville

REFUSE EOP/CDL

Thomasville, GA · On-site

$18.42 - $22.41/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Refuse Equipment Operator/CDL is responsible for safely operating solid waste vehicles and heavy equipment to collect and transport waste and recyclables. This position requires a ...

City of Thomasville

REFUSE EOP/CDL

Thomasville, GA · On-site

$18.42 - $22.41/hr

Description JOB SUMMARY The Refuse Equipment Operator/CDL is responsible for safely operating solid waste vehicles and heavy equipment to collect and transport waste and recyclables. This position ...

City of Thomasville

REFUSE EOP/CDL

Thomasville, GA · On-site

$18.42 - $22.41/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Refuse Equipment Operator/CDL is responsible for safely operating solid waste vehicles and heavy equipment to collect and transport waste and recyclables. This position requires a ...

City of Thomasville

REFUSE EOP/CDL

Thomasville, GA · On-site

Description JOB SUMMARY The Refuse Equipment Operator/CDL is responsible for safely operating solid waste vehicles and heavy equipment to collect and transport waste and recyclables. This position ...

City of Thomasville, GA

REFUSE EOP/CDL

Thomasville, GA · On-site

$18.42 - $22.41/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Refuse Equipment Operator/CDL is responsible for safely operating solid waste vehicles and heavy equipment to collect and transport waste and recyclables. This position requires a ...

City of Thomasville, GA

REFUSE EOP/CDL

Thomasville, GA · On-site

$18.42 - $22.41/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Refuse Equipment Operator/CDL is responsible for safely operating solid waste vehicles and heavy equipment to collect and transport waste and recyclables. This position requires a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRefuse JobsRefuse Jobs in Georgia

Refuse information

See Georgia salary details

$10

$15

$22

How much do refuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse in Georgia is $15.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refuse worker?

Refuse workers, also known as garbage collectors or sanitation workers, are responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste and recyclable materials from homes, businesses, and public areas. They typically operate garbage trucks, lift and empty bins, and ensure that waste is properly sorted and managed according to local regulations. Refuse workers play a vital role in maintaining public health and cleanliness in communities.

What is the difference between Refuse vs Waste Collector?

AspectRefuseWaste Collector
Primary RoleDisposing of household or commercial wasteCollecting and transporting waste from various locations
Work EnvironmentLandfills, waste processing facilities, residential areasOn the road, residential and commercial areas, waste collection sites
CredentialsMay require a valid driver’s license, safety trainingDriver’s license, physical fitness, safety certifications

Refuse generally refers to the waste material itself, while Waste Collector is the job responsible for collecting and transporting that waste. Both roles are essential in waste management, with Refuse being the material and Waste Collector being the worker handling it.

What are some common challenges faced by refuse collectors, and how can they be managed on the job?

Refuse collectors often face physical challenges such as lifting heavy bins, exposure to varying weather conditions, and navigating traffic during collection routes. Managing these challenges typically involves adhering to safety protocols, using proper lifting techniques, and wearing protective gear. Teams usually work closely to support each other, and many organizations provide regular training on safety and equipment handling to minimize risks and improve efficiency.

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 generally need physical stamina, attention to safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, compactors, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining public health, ensuring efficient waste removal, and supporting a safe working environment.

What are popular job titles related to Refuse jobs in Georgia?

For Refuse jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refuse jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Refuse jobs in Georgia are:

Refuse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refuse job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,482 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Refuse Collector

DeKalb County

Decatur, GA

$19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Dekalb County (Georgia) rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

729th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

 Salary Grade: 6   Salary:   $19.00 per hour    FLSA: Nonexempt  

This classification is safety sensitive, subject to random drug testing in accordance with the County's Drug & Alcohol Policy.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Collects refuse along assigned route; rides on back of rear-loading sanitation truck; retrieves trash bin, containers, or bags from along route; empties trash bins and containers into truck; operates container arm, lift, and compactor mechanisms as needed; and returns bins and containers to their proper place.

Performs manual labor in support of other County operations as needed; lifts, moves, loads, and unloads materials, equipment, tools, furniture, and supplies; digs ditches, trenches, and holes manually or utilizing power equipment; shovels, rakes, spreads, compacts, and levels dirt, rock, asphalt, cement, and other materials; performs grounds keeping functions; cleans buildings, restrooms, or other facilities; retrieves supplies, materials, tools, equipment and other items and runs various errands as needed; collects and transports materials, supplies, tools, and equipment to and from the worksite; and removes litter, debris, and deceased animals from roadways and other County property.

Assists in setting up special events/activities; installs, erects, or hangs holiday decorations; assists with traffic control during event; and assists with cleanup after events.

Follows established safety procedures; utilizes safety equipment and wears protective gear; monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks/equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project/work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and reports any incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.

Operates a variety of machinery, equipment, and tools associated with department projects, which may include a service truck, pump, probing rod, tamper, jack hammer, lawn mower, riding mower, edger, weed eater, chipper/mulcher, leaf blower, sod cutter, spreader, tiller, chain saw, power saw, hand saw, concrete saw, air compressor, pickaxe, sledgehammer, rake, post hole digger, shovel, hand tools, measuring instruments, or two-way radio.

Performs general cleaning and maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting equipment, checking/replacing fluids, refueling vehicles, performing minor equipment repairs, greasing equipment, sharpening blades, replacing parts, washing/cleaning equipment, or cleaning shop or work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; and reports faulty equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED preferred; previous work experience involving equipment operation or construction/maintenance work preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:  None

At DeKalb County Government, we enable career success by providing opportunities to thrive! Our culture is rooted in principles of collaboration, teamwork, and achievements. We foster a diversified and inclusive workforce, embracing a shared set of core values based on character, competitive spirit, relationships, and giving back to the communities where we live and work. This foundation is how we help turn jobs into careers.

What Dekalb County (Georgia) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply