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Trash Recycling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Durango, CO

Trash & Recycling Driver

Durango, CO · On-site

$24 - $28.80/hr

In this role, you'll operate recycling and trash equipment, including front- and side-load collection vehicles, balers, and material conveyors. Safety is central to our work, and you'll play an ...

City of Durango

Trash & Recycling Driver

Durango, CO

$24 - $28.80/hr

In this role, you'll operate recycling and trash equipment, including front- and side-load collection vehicles, balers, and material conveyors. Safety is central to our work, and you'll play an ...

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How much do trash recycling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for trash recycling in the United States is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are trash recycling jobs?

Trash recycling jobs involve collecting, sorting, processing, and managing waste materials so that they can be reused or disposed of in an environmentally responsible way. Workers in this field may operate recycling machinery, separate recyclable materials from general waste, or educate the public about recycling programs. These jobs play a crucial role in reducing landfill waste, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainability in communities.

How to get a job as a trash collector?

To become a trash collector, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. Physical fitness is important, as the job involves lifting and operating collection vehicles, and some positions may require passing a background check and drug test. Applying through local waste management companies or public sanitation departments is common practice.

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

AspectTrash RecyclingWaste Management Technician
CertificationsRecycling certifications, CDL often preferredHazardous waste handling, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentRecycling centers, curbside collection, processing plantsLandfills, transfer stations, collection routes
Industry UsageEnvironmental services, recycling programsWaste collection, disposal, environmental cleanup

While both roles involve waste handling, Trash Recycling focuses on sorting and processing recyclable materials, often requiring specific certifications and working in recycling facilities. Waste Management Technicians handle broader waste collection and disposal tasks, including hazardous waste, and work across landfills and transfer stations. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within the waste management industry.

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

Trash recycling workers often encounter challenges such as handling hazardous materials, sorting contamination, and working in environments with varying temperatures and noise levels. To address these issues, workers are provided with protective gear, thorough safety training, and clear protocols for identifying and managing non-recyclable or dangerous items. Teamwork and communication are emphasized to ensure a safe and efficient workflow, and many facilities support ongoing learning to help employees stay updated on best practices and new recycling technologies.

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

To thrive as a Trash Recycling Worker, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of waste sorting procedures, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sorting equipment, conveyor belts, and sometimes specialized safety certifications are important for daily operations. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong sense of responsibility are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient recycling processes and help maintain environmental and workplace safety standards.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs related to trash recycling typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like executive management, consulting, or high-level sales in various industries. Most recycling jobs offer hourly wages or salaries that are significantly lower, often requiring experience, certifications, or managerial responsibilities for higher pay. High daily earnings in this field are uncommon and generally involve additional income sources or entrepreneurial ventures.

Can a garbage man make 100k?

Garbage collectors, or sanitation workers, typically earn salaries below $100,000 annually, though those with many years of experience, supervisory roles, or working in high-cost areas can approach or exceed that figure. Achieving a $100,000 income often requires overtime, union benefits, or additional responsibilities beyond standard collection duties.
More about Trash Recycling jobs
What cities are hiring for Trash Recycling jobs? Cities with the most Trash Recycling job openings:
What states have the most Trash Recycling jobs? States with the most job openings for Trash Recycling jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trash Recycling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trash Recycling jobs are:
Trash Recycling jobs near you

Trash & Recycling Driver

City of Durango, CO

Durango, CO • On-site

$24 - $28.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Salary: $24.00 - $28.80 Hourly
Location : Durango, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00055
Department: Public Works
Division: Recycling Collections - 8412
Opening Date: 03/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Schedule Details:: Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Occasional shift adjustments required based on operational needs.
Description
Join the City of Durango's Recycling Collection Division as a Trash & Recycling Driver and help support the community's waste and recycling services. In this role, you'll operate recycling and trash equipment, including front- and side-load collection vehicles, balers, and material conveyors. Safety is central to our work, and you'll play an important role in inspecting equipment, performing minor maintenance, and following established safety practices. Under the general guidance of the Solid Waste Supervisor, you'll represent the department in the community, providing dependable service and friendly customer support.
***If you don't currently have a CDL, we encourage you to apply if you meet the minimum experience requirements-the City can support qualified candidates in obtaining their Class B CDL.
City of Durango's Trail to Excellence The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.
At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city's mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city's vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city's strategic plan.
As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:
  • Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
  • The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
  • You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.
We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing - and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.
Essential Job Duties
What You'll Do in This Role:
  • Operate a variety of recycling and trash equipment, including front- and side-load collection trucks, skip loaders, front-end loaders, Bobcat attachments, forklifts, fork trucks, balers, and material conveyors.
  • Perform preventive maintenance on both heavy and light equipment.
  • Maintain production logs and records and identify customer equipment needs.
  • Handle, inspect, and sort incoming recyclable materials, and process payments.
  • Ensure safe equipment operation through pre- and post-trip inspections, minor maintenance, and regular cleaning.
  • Clear ice and snow from roadways and alleys.
  • Follow established safety practices and procedures during all work activities.

Minimum Qualifications
You Have:
  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Two years of maintenance experience involving the operation of light to moderate construction and/or trash collection equipment.
  • A valid Class B CDL, or the ability to obtain one with support from the City during employment.
You Will Succeed in This Role If You:
  • Provide friendly, reliable, and professional customer service.
  • Are familiar with the layout of Durango's streets and neighborhoods.
  • Bring experience performing a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and janitorial tasks.

Supplemental Information
What We Can Offer You:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
  • 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
  • Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
  • Long-term disability coverage.
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
  • Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
  • Free transit pass and family member discounts.
  • Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
  • Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

To view the full job description, click here.
Belong at the City of Durango:
We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.
The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.
City of Durango's Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental & vision insurance, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, and paid time off.
To learn more details, visit our
01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have two years of maintenance experience involving the operation of light to moderate construction and/or trash collection equipment?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you been previously employed by the City of Durango?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If you answered yes, provide previous City positions and approximate dates for those positions.
05
Do you have any relatives who currently work for the City of Durango?
  • Yes
  • No

06
If you answered yes, provide your relative's name, the department they work in, and their relationship to you.
07
Have you ever been convicted of a crime, including misdemeanors, deferred sentences/judgements?
  • Yes
  • No

08
If you answered yes to having been convicted, you are REQUIRED to provide DATE(S) and DESCRIPTION(S) of offense(s) below.
09
Will you require sponsorship for a visa?
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