In residential neighborhoods, public parks, and commercial business centers, a garbage collector picks up and removes trash. He or she operates hydraulic lifting equipment to load refuse into the back of a garbage truck, which he or she then drives to the proper disposal site. A garbage collector may also come to people’s homes to collect recyclables or yard debris. The majority of garbage collectors work for municipal government agencies, though some work for private waste management firms that are hired by city governments.
Garbage collectors who collect garbage and recyclables from neighborhoods frequently work in pairs. The driver navigates neighborhoods and operates the hydraulic lift, while the other worker exits the vehicle at each stop and attaches garbage cans to the lift’s arms. Some garbage trucks can pick up large dumpsters and other waste disposal containers without the need for assistance from a third party. Instead, the driver approaches a dumpster, lowers the lift, and manipulates levers to lift and dump the load. A garbage collector unloads his or her truck at a landfill, recycling plant, compost station, or other designated city location at the end of a route.
A garbage collector must be in good physical condition and able to use sound judgment in order to do their job well. He or she may have to manually pick up and dispose of furniture, dead trees, and other unwanted items left at the curb. Before picking up a recycling container, a collector quickly scans the contents and removes any unwanted items. The collector also assesses the container’s weight to ensure that it is within the lift’s capacity.
Employer-specific requirements vary, but most garbage collectors have a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training from experienced workers to develop basic skills. A professional may be required to obtain a commercial driver’s license by completing a practical training course and passing a regional exam in order to operate a garbage truck. To earn hazardous materials handling credentials, some garbage collectors, particularly those who remove waste from medical facilities and industrial plants, must complete additional training programs.
An experienced and successful garbage collector is frequently rewarded with advancement opportunities within a municipal or private company. Many professionals can find office jobs where they can manage employee schedules, sign paychecks, and perform other important administrative tasks. An individual in a managerial position may also be able to assist in the development of more efficient waste management strategies and the identification of the need for new equipment, trucks, or labor.