Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
SOC: 53-7081.00
Common Job Titles
- Garbage Man
- Roll Off Truck Driver
- Sanitation Laborer
- Trash Collector
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate garbage trucks and specialized refuse collection vehicles on designated routes, following safety protocols and traffic regulations.Proficient
- Hands-onHandle refuse and recyclable materials from containers performing repetitive lifting and loading activities under varying weather conditions.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate hydraulic compactors and lifting arms on collection vehicles to efficiently load and compress refuse materials during collection operations.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify contamination in recyclable materials and disposal compliance issues during collection rounds, applying knowledge of public safety and waste management regulations.Developing
- Hands-onPerform routine equipment maintenance and pre-trip vehicle inspections following mechanical and safety checklists to ensure vehicle readiness.Developing
- KnowledgeApply route navigation and time management principles using GPS software and route optimization tools to complete collection schedules efficiently.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate equipment malfunctions and operational issues through monitoring processes and troubleshooting minor mechanical problems during daily operations.Developing
- MindsetEngage with residents and customers regarding collection service issues responding courteously to inquiries and resolving concerns about refuse and recycling procedures.Developing
- MindsetRespect team coordination and communication protocols when working with crew members and communicating with dispatch using mobile radios.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain collection route completion data and incident reports documenting service exceptions and maintaining records using fleet management systems.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
139,180
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,810. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,330. 50th percentile: U.S. $48,350. 75th percentile: U.S. $61,010. 90th percentile: U.S. $75,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $31,810 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $75,200 |
| Workers on average earn | $51,210 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Mechanical3.2/5
- English Language2.8/5
- Transportation2.6/5
- Public Safety and Security2.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
Technology Skills
- AMCS Platform
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Dossier software
- Fleet management software
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Mileage logging software
- Payroll software
- Routeware software
Tools & Equipment
- Aluminum compactors
- Cardboard compactors
- Desktop computers
- Front loading garbage trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Grapple trucks
- Lifting arms
- Mobile radios