Refuse and recyclable material collectors
SOC Code: 53-7081Also known as:
Collector, Disposal Man, Disposal Worker, Dumpman, Front Load Trash Truck Driver
Median Annual Salary
$48,350
+0.9% growth (2024-2034)
17K
Openings/Year
148K
Current Jobs
What Refuse and recyclable material collectors Do
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
💰 Salary
$48,350
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.9%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
17K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
147,900
Projected Employment (2034)
149,200
Related Careers
Hazardous materials removal workers
$48,490 •
+1.0% growth
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
$57,440 •
+4.0% growth
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand
$38,940 •
+1.5% growth
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders
$58,070 •
+4.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
- Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
- Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
- Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.
- Fill out defective equipment reports.
- Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.
- Dismount garbage trucks to collect garbage and remount trucks to ride to the next collection point.
- Operate equipment that compresses collected refuse.
- Communicate with dispatchers concerning delays, unsafe sites, accidents, equipment breakdowns, or other maintenance problems.
- Check road or weather conditions to determine how routes will be affected.
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do refuse and recyclable material collectors make?
The median annual salary for refuse and recyclable material collectors is $48,350.
What education do refuse and recyclable material collectors need?
Most refuse and recyclable material collectors positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming refuse and recyclable material collectors a good career choice?
Refuse and recyclable material collectors is projected to see +0.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 16,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for refuse and recyclable material collectors?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to refuse and recyclable material collectors?
Refuse and recyclable material collectors may also be known as: Collector, Disposal Man, Disposal Worker, Dumpman, Front Load Trash Truck Driver, Front Loader Residential Driver, Garbage Collection Sanitation Engineer, Garbage Collector, Garbage Man, Garbage Person, Garbage Pick Up Man, Garbage Pick Up Worker, Garbage Worker, Junkman, Limb Driver, Recyclable Materials Collector, Recycle Driver, Recycle Worker, Recycler, Recycling Attendant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.