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Refuse Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Removes dirt, rubbish, leaves and refuse. 2 years of experience in related work required. Pre-employment physical and drug test required. Must be a resident of the city of Boston.

Operation of refuse cranes may be required, to include maintaining correct levels of refuse-fuel into the furnace, mixing refuse in the pit, and maintaining a fire watch over the pit and associated ...

Operation of refuse cranes may be required, to include maintaining correct levels of refuse-fuel into the furnace, mixing refuse in the pit, and maintaining a fire watch over the pit and associated ...

Housekeeping Aide

Springfield, MA · On-site

$17 - $21.80/hr

Gathers refuse from various Hospital locations and transports same in hand pushed cart to compactor or holding area. Following established sanitation procedures segregates bagged refuse and loads ...

Housekeeping Aide

Springfield, MA · On-site

$17 - $21.80/hr

Gathers refuse from various Hospital locations and transports same in hand pushed cart to compactor or holding area. Following established sanitation procedures segregates bagged refuse and loads ...

Housekeeping Aide

Springfield, MA · On-site

$17 - $21.80/hr

Gathers refuse from various Hospital locations and transports same in hand pushed cart to compactor or holding area. Following established sanitation procedures segregates bagged refuse and loads ...

Gathers refuse from various Hospital locations and transports same in hand pushed cart to compactor or holding area. Following established sanitation procedures segregates bagged refuse and loads ...

Housekeeping Aide

Springfield, MA · On-site

$17 - $21.80/hr

Gathers refuse from various Hospital locations and transports same in hand pushed cart to compactor or holding area. Following established sanitation procedures segregates bagged refuse and loads ...

Gathers refuse from various Hospital locations and transports same in hand pushed cart to compactor or holding area. Following established sanitation procedures segregates bagged refuse and loads ...

Housekeeping Aide

Springfield, MA · On-site

$17 - $21.80/hr

Gathers refuse from various Hospital locations and transports same in hand pushed cart to compactor or holding area. Following established sanitation procedures segregates bagged refuse and loads ...

Gathers refuse from various Hospital locations and transports same in hand pushed cart to compactor or holding area. Following established sanitation procedures segregates bagged refuse and loads ...

Removes dirt, rubbish, leaves and refuse. 2 years of experience in related work required. Pre-employment physical and drug test required. Must be a resident of the city of Boston. There is no Benefit ...

Boston Laborer

Boston, MA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Picking up rubbish from sidewalks in front of houses and other establishments as required, loading refuse onto trucks, and collecting garbage, yard waste, and bulky items. Shoveling materials and ...

Boston Laborer

Boston, MA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Picking up rubbish from sidewalks in front of houses and other establishments as required, loading refuse onto trucks, and collecting garbage, yard waste, and bulky items. Shoveling materials and ...

Diesel Mechanic

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$28.50 - $39.22/hr

Refuse bodies, including control, hydraulic and electrical systems; Air and hydraulic braking systems. * Engine repair and diagnostics. * Complete understanding of diesel fuel systems and fuel ...

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Refuse information

See Massachusetts salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do refuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse in Massachusetts is $20.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $22.84 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 job categories do people searching Refuse jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Refuse jobs in Massachusetts are:
Infographic showing various Refuse job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,012 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Auto Refuse Collection Driver, Semi

City of Springfield

Springfield, MA • On-site

$27.53/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


City Of Springfield (Missouri) rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

544th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Purpose/Summary *Please note that this is a Civil Service position. This position is not currently open, should there become an opening we will hire off of the list of applicants starting with the oldest application date.* APPLICATION FOR CITY OF SPRINGFIELD LABOR SERVICE Applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the time of filing application. Incomplete applications will not be processed

The name of an applicant will remain on the Labor Service register for the job title which he or she is registered for a period of not more than 5 years from the date of registration, subject to a renewal of registration as provided in Section 28, Chapter 31 of the General Laws, and subject to compliance with other applicable provisions of the Civil Service law and rules. Responsible for the collection of refuse from roll out containers and transport of refuse to the Resources Recovery Plant at BondiIsland or other designated disposal site. Work requires a considerable amount of stop and go driving.

Requires a high degree of manual dexterity and must load the refuse collection vehicle at a specific rate of productivity. Work is performed under the supervision of a Department of Public Works supervisor, who reviews work through inspections and conferences. No supervision is ordinarily exercised over the other employees.

Essential Functions Operates the semi-automated refuse collection vehicle. Collects refuse from properly placed roll out container carts. Exits the vehicle to properly position the container or perform other duties such as, but not limited to, issuing warning/violation notices.

Loads the refuse from roll out container carts into the truck by use of the semi-automated flipper. Controls flipper by levers or buttons on a control panel. Loads loose rubbish outside of the container into the truck as may be necessary.

Transports loaded vehicle to the Resource Recovery Plant at BondiIsland. Returns to the route, if needed, where left off for completion of daily work assignment. Assists other operators, as may be necessary, in order to maintain collection schedules.

Performs routine vehicle maintenance. Checks to make sure vehicle is operating properly and safely; cleans, greases, and washes truck daily, or as required. Fills out daily drive sheet and submits to office as required.

Keeps simple daily activity record. Issues warning notices or information along assigned routes to repeat ordinance violators. Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considerable knowledge of the operations, care of and minor maintenance to semi-automated collection vehicles, or the ability to follow City provided training on the operations, care of and minor maintenance to the semi-automated collection vehicles. Considerable knowledge of defensive drive theory and traffic laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Ability to perform tasks of loading and operating vehicles which require considerable agility.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to follow assigned routing systems for refuse collection. Ability to provide daily written reports of work performed and problems encountered.

Ability to deal with residents in a professional manner in order to resolve problems or answer questions regarding work performed. Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum of one year of experience in driving large vehicles on the streets and highways within the City of Springfield.


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