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Refuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Norfolk, VA

Refuse Collector II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$48K - $81K/yr

The City of Norfolk's department of Public Works is seeking a Refuse Collector II within our Waste Management Division. This position is responsible for collecting waste from residential property ...

City of Norfolk, VA

Refuse Collector I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$46K - $78K/yr

The City of Norfolk's department of Public Works is seeking a Refuse Collector I for our Waste Management Division. This position is responsible for collecting waste from residential property ...

DeKalb County

Refuse Collector

Decatur, GA · On-site

$19/hr

Collects refuse along assigned route; rides on back of rear-loading sanitation truck; retrieves trash bin, containers, or bags from along route; empties trash bins and containers into truck; operates ...

City Of Roswell

Refuse Collector

Roswell, GA · On-site

$13.80 - $17.93/hr

Receives and responds to customer questions and complaints regarding problems pertaining to refuse; reports questions and complaints to direct supervisor. * Operates packer on garbage truck or other ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Laborer Refuse/ Recycle

Cleveland, OH

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Collection of refuse and recyclables * Serve as back up for the Refuse/Recycling Truck Operators * Assist in the maintenance of the Transfer Station * Transfer to Streets Division for snow and ice ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Laborer Refuse/ Recycle

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Collection of refuse and recyclables * Serve as back up for the Refuse/Recycling Truck Operators * Assist in the maintenance of the Transfer Station * Transfer to Streets Division for snow and ice ...

City of Delaware

Refuse & Recycling Technician

Delaware, OH · On-site

$24.39 - $36.63/hr

Able to independently perform duties associated with the curbside collection of refuse, recyclables and yard waste, and for transporting materials to designated facilities. Technician III (advanced ...

United Pacific Waste

Refuse Driver

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

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 ...

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Refuse information

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$12

$18

$26

How much do refuse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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.

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?

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Refuse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refuse job openings in the United States 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 $38,468 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Refuse Collector (Open Until Filled)

County of Roanoke Virginia

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Performs routine, repetitive, and heavy manual labor in the collection and disposal of solid waste and brush in varying weather conditions. Performs other duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Picks up trash and refuse from homes and business establishments; dumps the containers into the truck, and returns the containers to proper places Cleans areas around containers and other assigned areas Reports violations of refuse ordinances to supervisor Collects brush and tree trimmings Observes all safety policies and procedures SUPPLEMENTAL JOB FUNCTIONS Picks up trash and refuse from citizens with backdoor/physically-challenged service Picks up trash and refuse from citizens with premium service Collects tires that have been placed out on routes Installs bear-proof hardware on County-provided cans Repairs and replaces County-provided cans as needed REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES Education Required: Education equivalent to the 8th grade.

Experience Required: Some experience in the performance of heavy manual work. Preferred: Experience in the field of solid waste collections. Certifications/ Licenses Preferred: Valid Virginia Driver's license with good driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to perform repetitive heavy manual work at a rapid pace in varying, and sometimes extreme weather conditions Ability to understand and follow instructions; and to understand and follow safety practices including, but not limited to, the use of materials and equipment supplied by the County Additional Requirements Must be willing to train and take necessary County instructed courses in qualifying to operate the following: rear-loading and automated garbage trucks, dump truck and trailer, other large single or double axle trucks. Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. Following a conditional offer of employment must pass a post offer physical examination.

Must be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description. Supervisory Responsibilities None OTHER INFORMATION

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