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$11

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How much do trash compactor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for trash compactor in the United States is $15.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Trash Compactor, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial trash compacting machines and adherence to safety protocols are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work well independently are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe operation, efficiency, and consistent waste management in industrial or commercial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by trash compactor operators, and how can they be addressed?

Trash compactor operators often encounter challenges such as handling hazardous waste, managing equipment malfunctions, and ensuring proper sorting of recyclable materials. These challenges can be addressed by following strict safety protocols, staying current with equipment maintenance schedules, and receiving regular training on waste segregation. Team communication is also important, as operators frequently coordinate with custodial staff, facility managers, and recycling teams to ensure efficient waste management. Adapting to these challenges helps maintain a safe and productive work environment.

What does a trash compactor do?

A trash compactor is responsible for operating machines that compress waste materials to reduce their volume, making disposal and recycling more efficient. The role often involves monitoring the compactor for safe operation, loading waste materials, and ensuring the equipment is maintained properly. Trash compactors help keep facilities clean and organized by managing waste more effectively. They may also be required to observe safety standards and report any equipment malfunctions.

What is the difference between Trash Compactor vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectTrash CompactorWaste Management Technician
Primary RoleOperates and maintains trash compactors to reduce waste volumePerforms waste collection, disposal, and recycling services
CredentialsMay require OSHA safety training, CDL license in some casesRequires CDL license, safety certifications, and sometimes specialized waste handling training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, outdoor, or facility-based settingsOutdoor, on-road, and facility environments
Industry UsageUsed mainly in waste disposal facilities and large-scale waste managementEmployed by waste collection companies, municipalities, and recycling centers

While both roles involve waste handling, a Trash Compactor primarily focuses on operating equipment to compress waste, whereas a Waste Management Technician handles the collection, transportation, and disposal of waste materials. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Trash Compactor jobs
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What states have the most Trash Compactor jobs? States with the most job openings for Trash Compactor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trash Compactor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trash Compactor jobs are:
Trash Compactor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trash Compactor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,958 per year, or $15.8 per hour.
Part-Time Trash Collector - Evening Shift - Pickup Truck Required

Part-Time Trash Collector - Evening Shift - Pickup Truck Required

Valet Living

Richmond, VA • On-site

$21/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 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

A personal and reliable open-bed pickup truck or vehicle hauling a trailer is REQUIRED for this position.

Are you looking for a part-time job that keeps you moving and helps you earn extra income? We're hiring part-time Trash Collectors (Service Valets) to help keep apartment communities clean and welcoming.

What you'll be doing:

  • Collect trash and recycling bags from residents' doorsteps within an apartment community and transport them to the on-site trash compactor using your truck or vehicle with trailer. No heavy lifting of bulk items, off-site driving, or dumping required.
  • Use our company's mobile app on your smartphone to log service details, including arrival, departure, tracking, and non-compliance photos.
  • This is a hands-on, physically active position that involves walking the property, climbing stairs, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

What You'll Get:

  • Pay: Up to $21 per hour
  • Schedule: Evening shifts, typically Sunday-Thursday, starting at 7:00 or 8:00 PM
  • Part-Time: Around 10-15+ hours per week
  • Close-to-Home Assignments: We do our best to assign you to a property near where you live

What We're Looking For:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Reliable transportation: open-bed pickup truck or vehicle with trailer
  • Valid driver's license & auto insurance (with you listed as a covered driver)
  • Authorized to work in the U.S. (proof required upon hire)
  • Smartphone with a data plan to use our mobile app

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Walk long distances and climb stairs several times during a shift
  • Comfortable working around bagged trash and waste
  • Able to work outdoors in all types of weather

Why You'll Love This Job:

  • Stay Active: Get a workout while you work
  • Evenings shift: Perfect for anyone looking to earn extra income on a schedule that works for them
  • Fast Pay: Access your earnings quickly with DailyPay
  • Career Growth: Opportunities to move into leadership roles
  • Referral Bonuses: Earn extra when you refer others to join the team
  • Safety First: We provide gloves, vests, and gear

Join a team that values hard work, reliability, and making a difference in the community. 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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