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Trash Collection information

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$6

$17

$28

How much do trash collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for trash collection in Washington, DC is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by trash collection workers, and how can these be managed on the job?

Trash collection workers often encounter challenges such as adverse weather conditions, lifting heavy or awkward loads, and exposure to unpleasant odors or potentially hazardous materials. To manage these challenges, workers are typically provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), adhere to safety protocols, and use specialized tools or vehicles designed to make the job safer and more efficient. Additionally, teamwork and good communication with colleagues are essential for maintaining safety and ensuring routes are completed on time.

What is a trash collector?

Trash collectors, also known as garbage collectors or sanitation workers, are responsible for collecting and removing waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and public areas. They operate garbage trucks, follow designated routes, and ensure that waste is properly disposed of at landfills or recycling centers. This job is important for maintaining public health and cleanliness in communities, and often requires physical labor and adherence to safety protocols.

How do you become a trash collection worker?

To become a trash collection worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. On-the-job training is common, and workers often operate garbage trucks and use safety equipment; some positions may require a commercial driver's license (CDL).

What is the difference between Trash Collection vs Recycling Collection?

AspectTrash CollectionRecycling Collection
CredentialsNone typically requiredNone typically required
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial areasResidential, commercial areas
Industry UsageWaste disposal servicesRecycling and waste diversion services
Job FocusCollecting general wasteCollecting recyclable materials

Both Trash Collection and Recycling Collection involve waste management in similar environments, often performed by the same companies. The main difference lies in the materials handled: Trash Collection focuses on general waste, while Recycling Collection specializes in recyclable materials. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify job roles and expectations within waste management services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trash collector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trash Collector, you need physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, safety equipment, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) is typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and strong work ethic are crucial soft skills for handling demanding routes and maintaining schedules. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable waste collection services for communities.

What qualifications do you need to be a trash collection?

To work in trash collection, individuals typically need a valid driver's license, physical stamina, and the ability to lift heavy objects. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and safety training is often provided on the job.
What are popular job titles related to Trash Collection jobs in Washington, DC? For Trash Collection jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trash Collection jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Trash Collection jobs in Washington, DC are:
Trash Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trash Collection job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,406 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Part-Time Doorstep Trash Collection Specialist - Nights

Valet Living

Ellicott City, MD • On-site

$20.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Valet Living rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Earn reliable extra income close to home with a consistent evening schedule.

We're hiring part-time Doorstep Trash Collection Specialists (Service Valets) to help keep apartment communities clean, safe, and welcoming for the people who live there.

This role is ideal if you're looking for reliable extra income, a second job, and consistent evening work close to home.

What You'll Do

Every service night, you'll help keep apartment communities clean and welcoming by collecting bagged trash and cardboard recycling from residents' doorsteps, so it's gone by morning.

  • Collect bagged trash and cardboard from apartment doorsteps and transport it to the on-site compactor.
  • Service one or more nearby apartment communities during your shift, all within the same local area
  • Stay active by walking apartment communities, climbing stairs, and working outdoors.
  • No long-distance driving, bulk item collection, or off-site dumping.
  • Use our mobile app to check in, track your work, and take photos when needed

Why You'll Like This Role

  • Non-Truck Pay Rate: $20.50 per hour
  • Truck Pay Rate: $22.50 per hour
  • Consistent Evening Schedule: Typically, 10-15+ hours per week
  • No Weekends: Most schedules run Sunday-Thursday starting after 7:00 or 8:00 PM
  • Steady Work: Consistent work and reliable hours
  • Fast Pay: Get paid quickly with DailyPay
  • Extra Income: Ideal for a second job or supplemental earnings
  • Stay Local: Assigned to a community near where you live
  • Fast Hiring Process: Apply today and get started quickly

Qualifications

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Smartphone with a data plan to download and use our work app, and willingness to receive SMS/text communications throughout the pre-employment process and employment, including updates, scheduling, and work-related information
  • Authorized to work in the U.S. (proof required)
  • Ability to work independently and follow a consistent routine
  • Reliable transportation: Open-bed pickup truck or vehicle with trailer preferred
  • Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and auto insurance preferred

Physical Requirements

  • Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Walk long distances and climb multiple flights of stairs
  • Work around bagged trash and waste
  • Work outdoors in various weather conditions

Why Service Valets Choose This Role

  • Stay Active: Get paid to move instead of sitting at a desk
  • Consistent Evening Schedule: Easy to fit around a full-time job, school, or family schedule
  • Career Growth: We believe in developing talent from within. Half of our Area Leaders were promoted from Service Valet positions.
  • Referral Bonuses: Earn extra when you refer others to join the team
  • Safety First: Gloves, safety vests, and equipment provided
  • Make a Difference: Help keep apartment communities clean and welcoming every service night.

Apply today!

The application window for this opportunity is ongoing.

Are you a current Valet Living employee? If so, click here to apply.

Valet Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

What Valet Living employees say

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About Valet Living

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Valet Living is the largest nationally recognized full-service amenities provider to the multifamily housing industry, performing more than 470 million amenity services annually, encompassing 1.8 million apartment homes in 40 states. Valet Living uses specialized technology that empowers its trusted associates to deliver standard-setting amenities in communities where people want to live. Valet Living has been setting the standard for residential living since 1995 and has been proven to increase property value. Valet Living is a portfolio company of the private equity group GI Partners.

Industry

Real estate

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US

Year founded

1995

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