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Refuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting Location Goose Creek, SC, United States Base Pay $17.13 / Hour Other Compensation South Carolina State Retirement, optional 401(k) or 457(b) retirement plans Job Category Full Time, ...

Refuse Driver

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$22.75 - $28.75/hr

Refuse Driver The City of Oxnard's Public Works Department, Environmental Resources Division, is seeking a skilled Refuse Driver with strong driving, safety, operational, and customer service ...

EJ Equipment is seeking a skilled and experienced Refuse Technician to join our team. This full-time, hourly position involves providing high-quality service and maintenance to a variety of refuse ...

Groundskeeper - Refuse

Lewisburg, PA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Groundskeeper - Refuse Position Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Categories: Staff Non-exempt Job Summary: Bucknell University is currently accepting applications for a Groundskeeper ...

We are seeking a Refuse Driver to join our team! You will be responsible for safely operating a truck with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Responsibilities: * Safely ...

We are seeking a Refuse Driver to join our team! You will be responsible for safely operating a truck with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Responsibilities: * Safely ...

Reports to the Refuse Field Supervisor. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to ...

REFUSE WORKER

Suitland, MD · On-site

$25.53/hr

INTRODUCTION Under the supervision of the immediate supervisor, the Refuse Worker is responsible for litter pick up at the assigned areas in the scope of the contract. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES *1. Picks ...

REFUSE WORKER

Suitland, MD · On-site

$25.53/hr

INTRODUCTION Under the supervision of the immediate supervisor, the Refuse Worker is responsible for litter pick up at the assigned areas in the scope of the contract. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES *1. Picks ...

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How much do refuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse in the United States is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are refuse workers?

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.
More about Refuse jobs
What cities are hiring for Refuse jobs? Cities with the most Refuse job openings:
What states have the most Refuse jobs? States with the most job openings for Refuse jobs include:
Infographic showing various Refuse job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 79% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,468 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
REFUSE COLLECTOR (TEMP TO PERM) DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

REFUSE COLLECTOR (TEMP TO PERM) DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

City of Manchester, NH

Manchester, NH • On-site

$20.92 - $29.83/hr

Temporary

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Refuse Collector - Temp To Perm

Grade - 104

Pay Range - $20.92 - $29.83/hr

General Statement Of Duties:

Collects refuse within City routes; performs directly related work as required.

Distinguishing Features Of The Class:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to ensure the timely, safe and efficient collection of refuse. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of a Refuse Truck Driver and the Solid Waste Manager but some leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in an outdoor work environment with potential personal hazards.

Examples Of Essential Work:

  • Collects solid waste or recyclables on an assigned route;
  • Learns established City solid waste routes and usual collection points for residences and businesses;
  • Determines acceptability of solid waste or recyclables in accordance with Department standards and City ordinances;
  • Rakes, shovels and performs proper lifting techniques to move and collect solid waste and recyclable materials and replace containers;
  • Informs supervisors of problems associated with collection route and materials placed for disposal and maintains records of residences which have not placed solid waste for disposal;
  • Makes return visits to residences which have missed disposal to collect solid waste;
  • Provides input to supervisors concerning condition of vehicles, equipment, demisters and private solid waste containers or features prohibiting effective operations;
  • Maintains and cleans receptacles when practicable;
  • Performs pre- and post-route preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment including checking fuel, oil, transmission and hydraulic fluids, water and air;
  • Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
  • Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
  • Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
  • Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
  • Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
  • Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

Required Knowledge Skills And Abilities:

  • Substantial knowledge of Manchester City geography, streets and business locations;
  • Substantial knowledge of traffic hazards and traffic safety principles, practices and procedures;
  • Substantial knowledge of proper lifting techniques;
  • Some knowledge of preventative stretching exercises;
  • Ability to comprehend and follow safety rules and regulations;
  • Ability to communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
  • Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
  • Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
  • Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
  • Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Acceptable Experience And Training:

  • Graduation from High School or possession of a GED; and
  • Zero to two years of experience working in a team environment where strenuous physical work is shared equally among team members; or
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Special Qualifications:

  • None.

Essential Physical Abilities:

  • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to understand department and safety rules and regulations and follow prescribed routes for the collection of solid waste and recyclables;
  • Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work safely in heavy traffic and residential areas and determine acceptability of solid waste and recyclable material placed for collection;
  • Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate solid waste equipment safely and effectively;
  • Sufficient physical strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to lift, carry and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently and 20 pounds constantly;
  • Sufficient personal mobility and flexibility which allows the employee to stoop, stand, walk, grasp, push and pull and climb continuously throughout various locations within the City.