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Trash Collector Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Trash Collector information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$5

$13

$22

How much do trash collector jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for trash collector in Raleigh, NC is $13.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $13.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Trash Collector Do?

As a trash collector, you drive a large collection truck along a designated route. You dump garbage and recyclable materials from each residence or commercial property into the back of your truck and transport it to a municipal waste management facility. Trash collectors make an important contribution to a city’s health and sanitation. Your duties and responsibilities include completing your route each day as well as maintaining your vehicle, communicating with a dispatcher regarding accidents and other traffic hazards, and operating compactors, hoists, and other heavy equipment. You also adhere to safety procedures and regulations as required by your employer or by law.

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 a valid driver's license, often with a clean driving record. Familiarity with garbage trucks, hydraulic lift systems, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are key soft skills that help in maintaining schedules and handling the job’s demands. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient waste collection, personal safety, and dependable municipal services.

What are some common challenges faced by trash collectors, and how are they addressed on the job?

Trash collectors often encounter challenges such as inclement weather, heavy or hazardous loads, and navigating busy routes. To address these, teams typically provide safety equipment, thorough training, and follow strict safety protocols. Regular communication with team members and supervisors helps manage route changes and unexpected obstacles, ensuring both efficiency and safety. Working closely with a partner or crew also fosters a supportive environment for tackling daily challenges together.

What are trash collectors?

Trash collectors, also known as garbage collectors or sanitation workers, are responsible for collecting and disposing of waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and public areas. They typically operate garbage trucks, lift and empty bins, and ensure that waste is transported to landfills, recycling centers, or waste processing facilities. Their work is essential for maintaining public health and cleanliness in communities.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A trash collector can earn around $3,000 per month with a stable full-time position, especially in areas with higher wages or overtime opportunities. Other jobs that often pay this amount without a degree include commercial driver, sales representative, or skilled trades like electrician or HVAC technician, which may require certifications or on-the-job training.

What is the difference between Trash Collector vs Recycling Worker?

AspectTrash CollectorRecycling Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; valid driver’s licenseHigh school diploma or equivalent; valid driver’s license; may require recycling-specific training
Work EnvironmentResidential and commercial areas, outdoors, physically demandingRecycling facilities, outdoor and sometimes residential areas, physically active
Industry UsageMunicipal waste collection servicesRecycling centers, waste management companies
Common Search IntentJobs, duties, salary, requirementsRecycling processes, job roles, salary, certifications

While both Trash Collectors and Recycling Workers are essential for waste management, Trash Collectors primarily focus on collecting general waste from residential and commercial areas. Recycling Workers handle the collection and processing of recyclable materials. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but their specific duties differ within the waste management industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trash Collector jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Trash Collector jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Trash Collector jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Trash Collector jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trash Collector jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Trash Collector jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Trash Collector jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Trash Collector job openings:
Infographic showing various Trash Collector job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,381 per year, or $13.6 per hour.
Part-time Doorstep Trash Collection Specialist - Night

Part-time Doorstep Trash Collection Specialist - Night

Valet Living

Wake Forest, NC

$17/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Valet Living rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 70 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Part-time evening work close to home. Service one or more nearby apartment communities with no long-distance driving or off-site dumping.

Important: This role requires your own personal open-bed pickup truck (or vehicle with a trailer) to perform the job.

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

This is a great opportunity if you're looking for a second job, steady evening hours, and consistent work in your local area.

What You'll Do

Each service night, you'll keep a simple but important promise to residents: Collect bagged trash and cardboard recycling from their doorsteps so it's gone by morning.

What You'll Be Doing

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

What You'll Get

  • Truck Pay Rate: $17 per hour
  • Part-Time Nights: Typically 10-15+ hours per week
  • No Weekends: Most schedules run Sunday-Thursday starting after 7:00-8:00 PM
  • Steady Pay: 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

What You'll Need

  • Your own personal open-bed pickup truck (or vehicle with trailer) - required for this role
  • Valid driver's license and auto insurance
  • At least 18 years old
  • Smartphone with a data plan to use our work app
  • Authorized to work in the U.S. (proof required)
  • Ability to work independently and follow a consistent routine

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 People Like This Role

  • Stay Active: Get paid to move instead of sitting at a desk
  • Flexible Nights: Easy to fit around a full-time job, school, or family schedule
  • Career Growth: 50% of our Area Leader hires are internal promotions
  • Referral Bonuses: Earn extra when you refer others to join the team!
  • Safety First: Gloves, safety vests, and equipment provided

If you're looking for a steady, part-time evening job with fast pay and extra income close to home, apply today.

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