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Refuse Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Solid Waste Driver

Richmond, IN · On-site

$41K/yr

Non-Exempt Salary: $41,853.02 General Definition of Work Performs manual work operating vehicles and equipment to collect refuse material, performing general preventive maintenance to assigned ...

Diesel Mechanic

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Bluffton, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Garrett, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Columbia City, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Ossian, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Woodburn, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Spencerville, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Mix and level refuse in the industrial pit * Load ash using various types of industrial equipment * Supervise and observe delivery trucks hauling materials to the tipping floor * Safely operate ...

Diesel Mechanic

Decatur, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Diesel Mechanic

Churubusco, IN · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... Refuse Trucks. -Repair and troubleshoot hydraulic systems, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, PTO systems, and other truck components. -Diagnose and repair mechanical issues to keep Refuse ...

Mix and level refuse in the industrial pit * Load ash using various types of industrial equipment * Supervise and observe delivery trucks hauling materials to the tipping floor * Safely operate ...

Showing results 21-40

Refuse information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$17

$25

How much do refuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse in Indiana is $17.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $19.90 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 Indiana?

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

Infographic showing various Refuse job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,605 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

$41K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Dept/Div: Multiple/N/A FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $41,853.02


General Definition of Work

Performs manual work operating vehicles and equipment to collect refuse material, performing general preventive maintenance to assigned vehicle and equipment, conducting pre-trip inspections, completing paperwork, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Collection and Recycling Manager.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

Operates a sanitation vehicle along a prescribed route to collect residential and commercial refuse material.

Performs pre and post trip vehicle and equipment safety checks and ensures they are functional; conducts general preventive maintenance on assigned vehicle and equipment; cleans, greases, and washes vehicle as needed.

Ability to perform a thorough pre and post trip inspection of CDL Sanitation Vehicles

Manually collects and moves refuse material by hand as needed.

Completes pre-trip paperwork daily.

Assists with general cleanups as needed.

Provides information to Crew Leader or Collections Manager on route issues or problems and assists with solutions.

May assist with brush or small tree branch removal, (route obstructions) when proper training and equipment is provided through the Safety Officer.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of the practices and techniques of refuse material collection; general knowledge of the safe operation of medium to heavy construction equipment and vehicles; skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment; skill in the use of hand and power tools; skill in the use and operation of assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to perform manual labor; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public.

Education and Experience

High School diploma or GED and moderate experience operating heavy equipment to collect and organize waste material, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling and repetitive motions, frequently requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing and pushing or pulling and occasionally requires stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), exposure to vibration and exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment, frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather) and occasionally requires working in high, precarious places, exposure to the risk of electrical shock and working with explosives; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

Special Requirements

Valid commercial driver's license with Class B endorsement in the State of Indiana.