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Refuse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Refuse Truck Technician

Denton, TX · On-site

$27.07 - $35.20/hr

DUTIES Perform complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and diagnostic work on refuse collection vehicles and supporting equipment, including, but not limited to, heavy-duty chassis and refuse ...

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 ...

Refuse Laborer

New Haven, CT · On-site

$33.70/hr

This is heavy manual work in collecting garbage and refuse. Work involves performing heavy manual work in the collection of garbage, refuse, trash, and recycling on residential routes. Work is ...

About the Role HJ Staffing is hiring Trash Collectors to support the client's Solid Waste operations. In this role, you'll play a hands-on part in keeping Laredo clean collecting residential and ...

Refuse Collection Workers (Seasonal)

Bay City, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

CITY OF BAY CITY Seasonal Refuse Collection Workers - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS * Please Note These positions are Temporary/Seasonal (Until approximately:November 29) This is heavy manual work with ...

Transports refuse collectors, leaf rakers, on designated routes; * Operates automated trash cart lifting device on truck; * Unloads refuse truck; * Performs preventive maintenance on assigned ...

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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?

States with the most job openings for Refuse jobs include:

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 Technician

EJ Equipment

Shakopee, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description


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 vehicles and equipment. You will report directly to the Service Manager.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide technical service to vehicles and equipment.
  • Read job orders, observe, and listen to vehicles in operation to resolve malfunctions and plan work procedures.
  • Follow checklists ensuring all critical parts are examined.
  • Examine protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices on trucks, and adjust as needed.
  • Test-drive vehicles to ensure they run smoothly.
  • Tag all warranty parts and return them to the warranty clerk.
  • Attend training classes and keep tabs on factory technical bulletins.
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers to increase overall customer satisfaction.
  • Properly complete the service and/or repairs assigned by the supervisor.
  • Complete all work according to the applicable safety requirements and published procedures.
  • Participate in, and utilize to the best of one's abilities, technical training as assigned by management.
  • Maintain your designated workspace in an organized and clean manner.
  • Ensure guest vehicles are returned as clean as they were prior to being serviced.
  • Show the utmost courtesy to all guests, visitors, and dealership personnel.
  • Make every effort to achieve the production objectives set by management.
  • Adhere to manufacturer's policies and procedures as they relate to labor operations, time, and repair order documentation when performing warranty repairs and torque specifications.
  • Perform any other duties as outlined by the Service Supervisor and/or management.

Qualifications:
  • At least 1 year of fleet or dealership experience.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • ASE certification preferred.
  • CDL certification preferred.
  • Teammate with a strong sense of dedication to the customer and service team.
  • Self-motivated and professional.
  • Possess own tools.
  • We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Join our team and be part of a company that values hard work, dedication, and growth. Apply today to become our new Refuse Technician!