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Trash Compactor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DFM Industrial

Compactor

Cannel City, KY · On-site

Compactor Operator A Compactor Operator works in a high traffic warehouse and will operate various industrial equipment and machines, such as a trash compactor and bailer. The Compactor Operator also ...

Bay Area Trash Compactor

Service Technician

Concord, CA · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

Service Technician Concord, CA Bay Area Trash Compactor is currently searching for a Field Service Technician to provide professional, reliable service for existing customer equipment, and to support ...

New

G & H Trash Valet

Trash Collector (Nights)

Spring, TX · On-site

$270 - $325/wk

Transport trash to the compactor area * Perform scheduled bin swaps throughout the week * Assist with maintaining chute rooms and compactor areas * Ensure service standards are met each night

elt

Compactor/Baler Technician

Newark, NJ · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Compactor/Baler Technician | Retail Service Technician Currently, are seeking a Compactor/Baler ... Repair, diagnose, inspect, and maintain all makes and models of Vertical Balers, Trash Compactors ...

elt

Compactor/Baler Technician

Annapolis, MD

$30 - $35/hr

Compactor/Baler Technician Currently, we are seeking a Compactor/Baler Technician in the MD/DC/NOVA ... Repair, diagnose, inspect, and maintain all makes and models of Vertical Balers, Trash Compactors ...

elt

Compactor/Baler Technician

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Compactor/Baler Technician | Retail Service Technician Currently, are seeking a Compactor/Baler ... Repair, diagnose, inspect, and maintain all makes and models of Vertical Balers, Trash Compactors ...

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Trash Compactor information

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How much do trash compactor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 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 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 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 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 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.

How to work a trash compactor?

A trash compactor operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the compactor machine. This involves loading waste into the unit, activating the machine according to safety procedures, and monitoring its operation to ensure proper compaction. Familiarity with safety protocols and basic mechanical skills are essential for this role.

Why do people not use trash compactors anymore?

Trash compactor jobs have declined due to increased automation and the shift toward recycling and waste reduction practices. Many facilities now prioritize sorting and recycling over compacting waste, reducing the need for manual compactor operation and maintenance roles.
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Trash Compactor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trash Compactor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,958 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Compactor

Cannel City, KY • On-site

DFM Industrial
See more jobs at DFM Industrialexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Compactor Operator

A Compactor Operator works in a high traffic warehouse and will operate various industrial equipment and machines, such as a trash compactor and bailer. The Compactor Operator also performs a variety of janitorial and custodial duties which are related to the general appearance and cleanliness of the interior/exterior of the facility/building.
Essential Duties amp; Responsibilities:
  • Maintains a safe working environment by complying with DFMS standards and policies.
  • Sort material for compactor and/or plastic bailer.
  • Prepares material by operating compactor equipment and palletizing compacted material.
  • Maintains a clean and debris-free work environment.
  • Supports General Cleaning team members when needed.
  • Cleans and inspects industrial machines and equipment.
  • Operates industrial type equipment and tools such as sledgehammer, hammer, box cutter, skid jack, skid hook, vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners and using chemicals and cleaning solutions as required.
  • Operates powered floorcare equipment such as driver scrubber and walk-behinds.
  • Sweep and mop floors, hallways, corridors, and stairways.
    • Strip and wax floors both manually and with the use of industrial equipment.
    • Clean carpets with industrial carpet cleaning equipment.
  • Cleans fans and cobwebs above 25 feet use of aerial lifts which may require lock out-tag out.
  • Washes, cleans, disinfects, deodorizes, and maintains restrooms, break rooms, and cafeterias.
  • Moves trash, scraps, and other material to pick up points.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications amp; Prior Experience:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Valid operator’s license.
  • Experience operating a trash compactor and/or bailer is highly preferred.
  • Experience operating hand tools and industrial equipment is highly preferred.
  • Performing physically demanding and continuous repetitive lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs for a minimum of 8 hours per day.
  • Stoop, kneel and bend continuously for a minimum of 8 hours per day to complete assignments.
  • Standing, walking (including stairs) for a minimum of 8 hours per day.
  • Must be able to work in a non-climate controlled environment.
  • May be required to working in tight spaces and be exposed to moderate to loud noise.
  • Vision requirements: close, distance and peripheral vision.

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