What Does it Take to Be a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector?
Refuse & Recyclable Material Collector Definition Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
Life As a Refuse & Recyclable Material Collector
- Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.
- Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.
- Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems.
- Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse.
- Tag garbage or recycling containers to inform customers of problems, such as excess garbage or inclusion of items that are not permitted.
- Provide quotes for refuse collection contracts.
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Things a Refuse & Recyclable Material Collector Should Know How to Do
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Garbage Man
- Solid Waste Truck Driver
- Commercial Collections Driver (Operator)
- Recycling Specialist
- Garbage Truck Driver
Job Demand for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
There were about 136,000 jobs for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 17,900 new jobs for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector by 2026. There will be an estimated 18,900 positions for Refuse & Recyclable Material Collector per year.

The states with the most job growth for Refuse & Recyclable Material Collector are Utah, Missouri, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Tennessee, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Refuse & Recyclable Material Collector Salary
The average yearly salary of a Refuse & Recyclable Material Collector ranges between $22,290 and $66,020.

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors who work in Illinois, New York, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,080 |
Alaska | $48,000 |
Arizona | $39,960 |
Arkansas | $29,090 |
California | $53,730 |
Colorado | $40,780 |
Connecticut | $44,290 |
Delaware | $40,840 |
Florida | $36,460 |
Georgia | $32,390 |
Hawaii | $37,290 |
Idaho | $35,670 |
Illinois | $57,680 |
Indiana | $33,840 |
Iowa | $33,460 |
Kansas | $32,420 |
Kentucky | $30,200 |
Louisiana | $33,300 |
Maine | $30,800 |
Maryland | $30,890 |
Massachusetts | $44,020 |
Michigan | $41,880 |
Minnesota | $40,240 |
Mississippi | $26,310 |
Missouri | $33,020 |
Montana | $38,840 |
Nebraska | $33,030 |
Nevada | $38,420 |
New Hampshire | $33,110 |
New Jersey | $36,730 |
New Mexico | $32,790 |
New York | $56,710 |
North Carolina | $29,370 |
North Dakota | $33,030 |
Ohio | $37,970 |
Oklahoma | $34,150 |
Oregon | $44,650 |
Pennsylvania | $37,640 |
Rhode Island | $36,620 |
South Carolina | $24,920 |
South Dakota | $26,750 |
Tennessee | $30,060 |
Texas | $34,500 |
Utah | $38,970 |
Vermont | $34,020 |
Virginia | $35,510 |
Washington | $51,780 |
West Virginia | $28,860 |
Wisconsin | $41,330 |
Wyoming | $37,150 |
What Tools do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors may use on a daily basis:
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Payroll software
Becoming a Refuse & Recyclable Material Collector
Learn what Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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