1

Refuse Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The Doorstep Refuse Collection Specialist will perform doorstep trash collection at an assigned apartment community. The Doorstep Refuse Collection Specialist will be responsible for the following:

Operates a variety of refuse collection vehicles on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, commercial cans, or recycling. Oversees work of helpers assisting on assigned route ...

Route Driver Crew Leader

Plano, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Under general supervision, the Route Driver Crew Leader is responsible for operating all trucks and specialized equipment used in the collection and disposal of refuse, recyclables, yard debris, and ...

LABORER - SOLID WASTE

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.33 - $20.87/hr

Performs semi-skilled and manual labor, collecting residential refuse, and assisting the Driver in ensuring prompt and courteous waste removal services. LABORER - SOLID WASTE functions include but ...

Collects refuse, including household garbage, green waste, white goods and waste oil. Operates packer control on truck. Cleans and empties trucks. Required to perform unskilled and semiskilled labor ...

TX-Sanitation Helper (DALLAS)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Under direct supervision, collects residential and commercial refuse on designated routes and assists in completion of all routes; and perform related duties as assigned. $15.21 PHYSICAL MINIMAL ...

TX-Sanitation Helper (DALLAS)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Under direct supervision, collects residential and commercial refuse on designated routes and assists in completion of all routes; and perform related duties as assigned. $15.21 PHYSICAL MINIMAL ...

TX-Sanitation Helper (DALLAS)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Under direct supervision, collects residential and commercial refuse on designated routes and assists in completion of all routes; and perform related duties as assigned. $15.21 PHYSICAL MINIMAL ...

None. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Collects refuse, including household garbage, green waste, white goods and waste oil. • Operates packer control on truck. • Cleans and empties ...

Showing results 21-40

Refuse information

See Texas salary details

$11

$17

$25

How much do refuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse in Texas is $17.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $19.47 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 Texas look for?

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

Infographic showing various Refuse job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,839 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

DRIVER/LOADER - RESIDENTIAL (FULL TIME)

City of Richardson, TX

Richardson, TX • On-site

$44K - $61K/yr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Click here for job description
DRIVER/LOADER - Public Services - Solid Waste Services
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, drive and operate a rear load vehicle in the collection of residential refuse, brush and bulky items and/or recyclable material. Work in a small crew to collect, load, transport, and dispose of refuse, garbage, recycling, and brush. Perform other related work as required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Drive and operate a rear load vehicle for the collection of residential refuse, brush and bulky items, and/or recyclable material on assigned collection routes. Load refuse, recycling, and brush by hand and share loading responsibilities with co-workers. Safely operate, care for, and maintain acceptable appearance of assigned vehicles and equipment including washing, servicing, and performing preventative maintenance checks. Use good judgment to work safely and use equipment properly. Communicate courteously and effectively orally with customers, other City employees, supervisors, and officials. Hear clearly to work safely when working around equipment and in traffic. Read written instructions accurately. Maintain written records on loads to transfer station, materials recovery facility (MRF), and on the preventive maintenance checklist. As needed, train, instruct, and ensure temporary workers understand and practice basic safety procedures while working on or near refuse/recycling vehicles. Work both day and evening hours as needed.
Physical Job Functions:
• Lift and/or carry up to 100 pounds;
• Regularly pull, push and/or drag up to 150 pounds of refuse, recycling, brush, and various discarded materials, including large/bulky items such as furniture.
• Requires constant extensive walking, carrying, dragging, holding, pulling, pushing, lifting, kneeling, bending/twisting body, reaching, and squatting while performing collection of refuse, recycling, and/or brush.
• Perform physically strenuous duties in all weather conditions including heat, cold, temperature swings and in inclement weather.
Exposure to dust, fumes, loud noises, and mechanical hazards are routinely encountered in solid waste collection duties/operations, while using proper safety precautions.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
REQUIRED EDUCATION, DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR LICENSES:
Completion of eleventh grade required. High School Diploma or GED preferred. Experience may be substituted for education requirements. Applicable Texas Commercial Learner's Permit is required within 1 month of hire. Texas Commercial Driver's License, Class B, is required within 6 months of hire.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:
One-year of experience preferred in driving dump/container body trucks. Experience preferred in refuse collection.
Physical Skills/Abilities:
• Possess ability to lift and/or carry up to 100 pounds;
• Possess ability to pull, push and/or drag up to 150 pounds of refuse and various discarded materials.
• Possess ability to climb, crawl, kneel, squat, stoop and/or bend freely when participating in refuse, recycling, and brush collection; and sit and/or stand for extended periods while collecting refuse, recycling, and/or brush.
• Possess ability to climb in and out of the cab of refuse truck numerous times per workday.
• Possess ability to step up and down from the rear step plate of the refuse/recycling truck up to several hundred times per workday.
• Must be able to maintain mental focus throughout all assigned activities.
• Must be able to effectively work independently and within a team environment.
Number of available positions: 2
Completion of eleventh grade required. High School Diploma or GED preferred. Applicable Texas Commercial Learner's Permit is required within 1 month of hire. Texas Commercial Driver's License, Class B, is required within 6 months of hire. Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds; pull, push and/or drag up to 150 pounds. Must be able to climb, crawl, squat, etc.
Code : 89-1
Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
Location : SOLID WASTE RESIDENTIAL
Group : NONEXEMPT
Job Family : SOLID WASTE - RESIDENTIAL
Job Class : DRIVER/LOADER
Salary: $44,214.04-$61,513.92