Garbage Collector

Your Fit

Income

$48K

Preparation

Some

Growth

3.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Garbage Collector?

A Garbage Collector is responsible for the collection and transport of waste and recyclables from residential, commercial, and industrial areas to disposal sites. This role is crucial in maintaining community cleanliness and environmental health.

Sample job titles:

Garbage Man, Roll Off Truck Driver, Sanitation Laborer, Trash Collector

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Garbage Collector.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Garbage Collector earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$32K per year	$38K per year	$48K per year	$61K per year	$75K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $1.15K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Garbage Collector do?

Work environment

Garbage Collectors work outdoors in all weather conditions, and the job can be physically demanding. The work environment often involves early morning starts, operation of waste collection vehicles, and handling of waste materials, including both general refuse and recyclable items.

Quick task list

Collects garbage and recyclables from designated pickup points.
Operates garbage trucks and other waste collection vehicles.
Sorts and separates recyclable materials from general waste.
Ensures adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
Maintains cleanliness and functionality of collection equipment.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Waste Collection: Specializing in garbage pickup from homes and apartment complexes.
Commercial Waste Management: Focusing on waste collection from businesses and commercial establishments.
Hazardous Material Handling: Dealing with the collection of hazardous or special waste, requiring specific training.
Recycling Operations: Specializing in the collection and sorting of recyclable materials.
Heavy Equipment Operation: Operating larger waste collection vehicles and equipment.

Description

Garbage Collectors play a vital role in maintaining public health and the environment. They follow specific routes to collect waste and recyclables, adhering to a regular schedule. Physical stamina is crucial, as the job involves lifting, bending, and moving heavy bins and bags. Safety is a top priority, requiring knowledge of proper lifting techniques and adherence to traffic and environmental regulations.

The role also involves teamwork and coordination, especially when working with a crew on a collection vehicle. Garbage Collectors need to be reliable and efficient to ensure timely collection and minimize disruption to traffic and residents. An understanding of waste sorting and recycling processes is also beneficial, particularly for those working in recycling operations.

This occupation suits individuals who enjoy physical work and prefer an early start to the day. Garbage Collectors often experience a sense of accomplishment from keeping their communities clean and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the cleanliness and health of the community.
Physical activity and working outdoors.
Job stability and the essential nature of the role.

You might make a good Garbage Collector if you are...

Physically fit and comfortable with early morning shifts.
Concerned about environmental health and waste management.
Able to work in all weather conditions.
A team player with a strong work ethic.
Interested in operating vehicles and waste collection equipment.

Pros:

Physical work that keeps you active.
The satisfaction of providing an essential community service.
Opportunities for overtime and steady employment.

Cons:

Physically demanding and sometimes dirty work.
Exposure to waste materials and potential hazards.
Early morning hours and working in all weather conditions.

How to become a Garbage Collector

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient for this occupation. On-the-job training is common, and some positions may require special certifications for handling hazardous materials or operating certain types of vehicles.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical education to build strength and stamina.
Basic mechanics or automotive classes for those interested in vehicle operation.
Environmental science courses to understand waste management and recycling.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in team sports or physical fitness activities.
Volunteering in community cleanup or environmental projects.
Part-time jobs that involve physical labor or outdoor work.

Preparation after high school

Obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) if interested in operating garbage trucks.
On-the-job training or apprenticeships in waste management.
Certifications in hazardous materials handling for specialized waste collection roles.

More resources

Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) - Offers information and training for waste management professionals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Provides safety guidelines and resources for handling waste materials.
Waste360 - An industry resource with news and information on waste and recycling.
National Waste & Recycling Association - Offers resources and advocacy for waste and recycling professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.