Garbage Collector Career Guide

What is a garbage collector?

Garbage collectors are responsible for collecting trash from commercial, industrial, and residential properties, including single-family home communities and apartment complexes. They follow designated routes in garbage trucks and may empty garbage cans by hand or using specialized hydraulic lifts attached to the truck. They also collect trash from large dumpsters. They compact the trash in the back of the truck and transport it to a garbage dump, landfill, incineration plant, or recycling center. Typically, these professionals run different routes on different days. Homeowners take their trash cans to the curb on specific trash pickup days.    

Garbage collectors play an important role in ensuring that communities and business areas remain clean and sanitary. They put safety first when operating lifts and driving trucks so as not to damage anything. They may come to residential areas several times a week to collect trash and also come on different days to collect recyclables. 

Garbage collectors may need to inspect garbage to ensure it is properly disposed of and no toxic chemicals, car batteries, and other potentially harmful or inappropriate items are present in dumpsters and trash cans. They may work for local municipalities or private companies. Some private companies include waste removal services, hauling services, or removal of items that require special handling due to toxicity or size. These individuals are specifically trained to handle hazardous materials.

Qualifications and eligibility

A garbage collector typically needs to have a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed at least some college courses. Biology, chemistry, and physics classes can help you understand the science behind waste management.

Many employers require that candidates undergo a certain amount of training before they can work in this role. The training programs teach students how to operate the machinery and equipment they will use on the job and how to properly handle and dispose of waste materials. Some garbage collectors receive on-the-job training, which is usually specialized to the specific procedures and requirements of the employer.

Garbage collectors must have a valid driver’s license to operate a garbage collection vehicle. Depending on where you live, you might also need to have a certified commercial driver’s license (CDL). These individuals must have clean driving records with no DUIs, accidents, or any other negative information on their driving records. They also normally have to pass a criminal background check and drug screening. Some employers require candidates to pass a company driving exam.

Garbage collectors need to be physically fit as the job may require them to lift heavy objects such as trash cans and recycling bins, heavy bags, green waste and compost, furniture, and other heavy items. They may walk from the truck to pick up trash many times over a day. They often jump from the truck, pick up nearby trash from cans, empty it into the truck, and jump back onto the truck, which can become tiring. 

Garbage collectors must have good communication skills as they work in teams and ensure everyone is on the same page. They may also have to interact with residents to answer questions or address concerns while on their route. 

Other skills these professionals need include attention to detail and problem-solving. They may have to sort through trash to separate it into different bins for the dump and recycling center. They must be able to pick out harmful items and properly dispose of them. They also need to be able to quickly find solutions to problems encountered on their routes, such as running into aggressive animals, the truck breaking down, or finding materials that don’t belong in the trash. 

You’ll need a commercial driver’s license if you plan to drive the truck. There are many ways to take a CDL course, including online options like Virtual Drive USA.

Work environment

Garbage collectors work outdoors in all types of weather conditions. They are often exposed to unpleasant odors, noise, dirt, and debris. They may encounter hazardous materials, such as broken glass, syringes, toxic chemicals, and caustic chemicals. They may be susceptible to health risks due to inhaling toxic fumes or dust, attacking dogs, traffic accidents, and more. The work can be physically demanding, and garbage collectors often lift heavy objects and work in uncomfortable positions daily.  

Typical work hours

Garbage collectors typically work 40 hours per week, but their schedules usually start very early in the morning. They may work until late in the afternoon to complete their daily routes. They may also have to work weekends and holidays to keep up with the job’s demands.    

Position trends

Career Explorer projects the job market to grow by an estimated 13% through 2026 for this position. There were an estimated 136,000 garbage collectors in the United States in 2016, and that number is expected to grow for refuse and recyclable material collectors, with 24,550 new jobs filled by 2029.