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Refuse Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Solid Waste Technician

Goldsboro, PA · On-site

$31K - $50K/yr

Delivers and collects refuse and recycling containers as needed, keeping records to track container locations. Performs minor maintenance on refuse and recycle containers to include replacing bars ...

SUMMARY: Under direct supervision, collects residential and commercial refuse on designated routes and assists in completion of all routes; and perform related duties as assigned. MINIMUM ...

Summary: Under direct supervision, collects residential and commercial refuse on designated routes and assists in completion of all routes; and perform related duties as assigned. Minimum ...

Custodian, Scranton (FT Days)

Scranton, PA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

... refuse; cleans and relines refuse containers with plastic bags * 10% Cleans sinks, tubs, showers and toilets. Polishes bright work and cleans mirrors. Empties trash, sweeps and mops floors with ...

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Refuse information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do refuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse in Pennsylvania is $18.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $20.96 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Refuse jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

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

Infographic showing various Refuse job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,560 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Part-Time Refuse Collector/Part-Time Refuse Truck Driver (3 Positions)

Lower Merion Township

Ardmore, PA

$22 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Lower Merion Township rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

814th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary A Part-Time Refuse Collector is responsible for manual work which requires no technical skill involving the collection and emptying of refuse containers. Work involves responsibility for moving refuse containers to the refuse truck, dumping containers, operating compactor and returning containers to proper pickup site. Duties include collecting recyclables, shrubs, tree trimmings and leaves.

This position also has the responsibility for making routine decisions regarding established collection procedures. The work requires that the employee have good knowledge, skill and ability in heavy manual labor operations. A Part-Time Refuse Truck Driver is responsible for semi-skilled refuse collection work involving driving and operating a large sanitation packer, taking the lead with refuse collectors in the collection of refuse on assigned routes and operating the transfer station.

Work involves responsibility for the collecting and disposing of refuse in a timely and safe manner. Duties include driving a large sanitation vehicle, acting as a lead worker for refuse collectors, addressing resident concerns, and/or communicating problems and unresolved resident complaints to supervisor. This position also has the responsibility for making standard decisions regarding established collection practices.

The work requires that the employee have good knowledge, skill and ability in refuse collection procedures and the operation of the sanitation vehicle. Works under the immediate supervision of a Refuse Crew Leader. $22.00/hour when performing essential functions of a Part-Time Refuse Collector ONLY for entire workday

$25.00/hour when driving a Refuse Truck for entire workday. Duties Part-Time Refuse Collector: Moves containers from rear of homes to the curb, dumps container contents into the refuse hopper and returns containers to pick up site; picks up site litter and puts in truck. Walks considerable distances and in all weather conditions

Operates hydraulic lifts and packing apparatus on refuse truck. May work at the transfer station performing skilled duties, as assigned (scale house, compactor, etc.) Collects refuse and recycling from Township parks and other designated township facilities as identified by management. Works on trucks picking up shrubs, tree trimmings, leaves and/or recyclables

Part-Time Refuse Truck Driver: Serves as lead worker, ensuring that Refuse Collectors comply with departmental regulations and observe safety precautions. Operates a heavy sanitation truck in the collection and disposal of refuse. May operate a recycling truck.

Operates truck in narrow areas, frequently backing the truck for considerable distances. Confers with supervisors, advising them of personnel or equipment problems. May be required to learn one or more additional routes, as a back-up.

Performs duties of Refuse Collector including lifting and dumping refuse barrels. Performs minor maintenance chores to assigned vehicle. Inspects vehicle, checks fluids and safety devices.

Washes truck interior and exterior. Performs daily pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and completes inspection log daily. Responsible for reporting any issues identified during the inspection to Fleet Maintenance.

May be assigned to snow and ice control duties during snow emergencies. Picks up and returns assigned vehicle to the Township garage daily and other vendor service locations as needed. Both Positions: Responsible for housekeeping at Koegel complex.

May be assigned to other Public Works divisions to perform required duties. Performs related work as required. Qualifications Part-Time Refuse Collector: High school diploma or the equivalent, plus one year of experience in heavy manual labor.

Possession of a valid driver's license is desired. Commercial driver's license is preferred. Some knowledge of hand tools and refuse collection practices.

Part-Time Refuse Truck Driver: High school diploma or equivalent plus experience in solid waste collection work, operating a large truck and interacting with the public. Must possess and maintain a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL-B) free of air brake restriction. Must have knowledge of the rules and regulations regarding the pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and filling out the logbook every day.

Good knowledge of the procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to the collection and disposition of refuse. Good knowledge of the geographic area to which assigned. Considerable skill in operating a large sanitation packer and the hydraulic attachments.

Good ability to perform minor repairs and maintenance upon assigned vehicle. Some ability to lead others in the performance of their duties. Both Positions: Good skill in safely and efficiently lifting and carrying heavy objects.

Good ability to learn the occupational hazards and exercise the safety precautions of sanitary work. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions. Good ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the general public.

Physical Requirements Refuse Truck Driver: Ability to drive for a minimum of 6 up to 8 hours per workday. In severe weather conditions, ability to sit and drive for up to 16 hours. Ability to use both feet for repetitive movements in operating foot controls of equipment.

Ability to drive an automobile, heavy truck and other machinery. Both Positions: Ability to stand for a minimum of 1 up to 8 hours and walk for a minimum of 1 up to 8 hours per workday. Ability to bend, stoop, squat, climb, reach above shoulder level, crouch, kneel, lift and push/pull up to 75% of the workday.

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of tools, equipment and materials for up to 68% of the workday and lift and carry in excess of 100 pounds of tools, equipment and materials for up to 35% of the workday. Ability to use both hands for simple grasping and firm grasping of tools, equipment and objects. Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions around moving machinery and traffic.

Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions where loud noises may be present. Ability to perform job functions in all types of weather and temperatures. Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions where environmental conditions may be challenging.


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