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Solid Waste Collector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of Cary

MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTOR

Cary, NC · On-site

$46.80K - $62.67K/yr

Our Public Works department is currently recruiting for a Municipal Solid Waste Collector. This role is vitally important in providing efficient customer-centered service collecting and disposing of ...

Town of Chapel Hill

SOLID WASTE COLLECTOR

Chapel Hill, NC

$38.53K - $50.35K/yr

Rides with a refuse truck to collect waste; pushes carts to the refuse truck, empties cart into truck, and returns carts to curb; collects trash from residents that are unable to place waste to the ...

Town of Cary, NC

MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTOR

Cary, NC · On-site

$46.80K - $62.67K/yr

Our Public Works department is currently recruiting for a Municipal Solid Waste Collector. This role is vitally important in providing efficient customer-centered service collecting and disposing of ...

Alterra

Custodian Solid Waste Collector

Snowshoe, WV · On-site

$15.25/hr

The custodial position removes solid waste from Snowshoe Village and business units on a daily basis, monitors Snowshoe compactors, and operates Snowshoe's recycle program for all recyclable material ...

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How much do solid waste collector jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste collector 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solid Waste Collector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solid Waste Collector, you need physical stamina, attention to safety procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, hydraulic lift systems, and safety gear is typically required, and some positions may ask for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are essential soft skills for maintaining consistent and effective service. These skills ensure safe, efficient waste collection, protect public health, and contribute to a clean environment.

What are some common challenges Solid Waste Collectors face in their daily work, and how are they typically addressed?

Solid Waste Collectors often encounter challenges such as exposure to extreme weather conditions, heavy lifting, and handling potentially hazardous materials. Teams usually address these by following strict safety protocols, using protective equipment, and rotating tasks to prevent fatigue. Additionally, regular training is provided to ensure proper handling of waste and equipment, which helps minimize injuries and maintain a safe working environment. Communication and teamwork are also emphasized to efficiently manage routes and respond to unexpected issues during collection.

What are solid waste collectors?

Solid waste collectors, also known as garbage collectors or sanitation workers, are responsible for collecting and transporting household, commercial, and industrial waste to disposal or recycling facilities. They operate garbage trucks, load waste containers, and ensure proper handling and disposal of refuse according to local regulations. This role is essential for maintaining community cleanliness and preventing health hazards. Solid waste collectors often work early hours and in various weather conditions, requiring physical stamina and attention to safety.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Collector vs Recycling Truck Driver?

AspectSolid Waste CollectorRecycling Truck Driver
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CDL often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; CDL required
Work EnvironmentResidential and commercial waste collection routesRecycling collection routes, often same as waste collection
Industry UsageMunicipal waste management servicesRecycling programs within waste management
Job FocusCollecting and disposing of solid wasteCollecting recyclable materials

Both roles involve waste collection and require CDL licenses, but Solid Waste Collectors focus on general waste, while Recycling Truck Drivers specialize in recyclable materials. The roles often overlap in work environment and employer industry, making them closely related but distinct in their specific duties.

More about Solid Waste Collector jobs
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Solid Waste Collector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solid Waste Collector job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 30% Physical, and 70% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,468 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTOR

MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTOR

Town of Cary

Cary, NC • On-site

$46.80K - $62.67K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description Cary, NC is a dynamic organization striving to create a local government unlike any other through our best resource - our employees. Here at Cary, we offer an outstanding total compensation package that includes highly competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits because we believe in putting people first. If you are committed to excellence, high quality service delivery, taking care of people, and enjoying a great place to work, this is the opportunity for you.

Our Public Works department is currently recruiting for a Municipal Solid Waste Collector. This role is vitally important in providing efficient customer-centered service collecting and disposing of trash, yard waste and recyclable items. We are seeking an individual with a commitment to individual and team excellence to join us.

Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Solid Waste Team Leader and Operations Coordinator. Positions in the Solid Waste Division are considered to be "critical positions" meaning you are required to report to work during adverse weather or other emergency situations, in order to maintain equipment and/or assist in any capacity necessary to continue operations. Typical Tasks Walks alongside or ride on the back of a truck in a residential collection route picking up solid waste, recycling, or yard waste from curb or rear of property; Dumps waste into pull-cart or directly into a rear packer truck; Returns container to the curb, as necessary; Operates packing equipment; Rides back of truck between pick-up locations; Directs traffic and guides truck operator in congested areas; Rides the truck to the landfill, recycling, or yard waste disposal sites and assists in dumping load as necessary; Answers questions from citizens regarding collection procedures; Performs other job-related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities General knowledge of traffic laws and the safe operation of motorized equipment; general knowledge of Cary's solid waste collection policies; ability to perform continuous heavy manual work at a steady pace and under various weather conditions; ability to work safely; ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work in this class is heavy work and requires exposure to various environmental conditions such as heat, cold and rain. An employee must have the physical agility to move about freely including walking and/or standing for long periods of time, bending, stooping, lifting, climbing stairs and ladders.

An employee must have the physical agility to get in and out of the cab of the truck and to ride at the rear of the truck utilizing handles. Moderate to heavy lifting is required in performing the work. Visual acuity is necessary to perform paperwork, handle collection cans, and make repairs.

An employee must also be able to hear, talk, and smell. Minimum and Preferred Qualifications Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or GED and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Preferred Requirements Experience working in waste collection and disposal.

Possession of a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record. Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment. Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.

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