How to Become a Garbage Collector

Last Updated: March 17, 2023 References Approved

Garbage collection is one of the most important and under-appreciated services we enjoy today. Garbage collectors need to be physically fit, capable of driving trucks, and happy to work long hours, including very early morning or late night shifts. By creating a resume, applying to a waste management facility, and following up with the company after your application, you will raise your chances of becoming a garbage collector.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Apply

1
Receive a high school diploma or a GED. In order to become a garbage collector with your local waste management company, you must first receive the proper education. Although most garbage collection positions do not require formal training, and will give you the necessary experience once you begin, you must first obtain a high school diploma or an equivalent with a GED diploma.^{[1]
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- If you have not received your high school diploma, you can prepare for and take the GED exam online.
2
Begin a consistent workout routine to get into good physical shape. Garbage collection is a physically strenuous position. Before applying, start work on your upper body and core strength through a daily exercise routine. These exercises will give you the strength necessary to be successful as a garbage collector.^{[2]
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- If you are older or have a preexisting injury, garbage collection jobs can be tough on the body.
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3
Become comfortable working with a team. Most garbage collectors work in teams of two to three, and working well with a team of people is an important skill. Work on healthy communication with the people in your life and ask yourself if working with others is something you seek in a career.^{[3]
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- Having a job history that shows you can work well with others will be a plus during your application process.
4
Obtain a commercial driver's license. Receiving a commercial driver’s license before you apply for the position will help your chances of being hired. Visit www.dmv.org/apply-cdl.php for more information on how to receive this license.^{[4]
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5
Maintain a clean driving record. As a garbage collector, you will be asked to drive a garbage truck at some point in your career. By maintaining a strong driving record before the application process, your future employer will be more likely to hire you.^{[5]
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- Avoid speeding tickets and pay off parking tickets immediately to ensure you do not have any marks on your record when you apply.
6
Make a list of reliable references. Think of the people you have worked for in the past, or anyone who would speak highly of your work ethic, and write down their phone numbers. Choose your top two or three references and find these people’s phone numbers. Ask your top references if it is okay if you use them as a reference, and let them know that someone may be contacting them for information about your work history in the future.^{[6]
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- Informing people that you will be using them as a reference will allow them to prepare statements about your work ethic and reliability.
- Think about the people that you have the best relationships with. Who would you trust to vouch for you? From that list, choose 2-3 people (ideally, people who are above you in the ranks).
7
Create a resume highlighting your eligibility. Using a word processing software like Word or Google Docs, create a resume that highlights your work history and eligibility for the garbage collection position you are applying for. Be sure to format the document correctly and include your personal contact information, including your phone number and email address, as well as including your list of references.^{[7]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying for the Position

1
Research available garbage collection jobs near you. Use online career listing services to focus your search and find a garbage collection job in your area. Websites like Craigslist and Indeed have job listings of all kinds and will allow you to narrow your search and create notifications when a garbage collection position becomes available.^{[8]
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- Widen your search and look for jobs with both government agencies and privately owned companies.
- Using the internet is a great way to understand what kind of jobs area available in your area and will show you if there is more availability in another town.
- Visit these website everyday, or turn on notification services if they are available, so that you can be one of the first people to apply for an available position.
2
Apply for a garbage collection position online. With your resume and experience in order, search online for available garbage collection positions. Apply to a garbage collection job online through your local waste management website’s career page, where the company’s available positions should be listed.^{[9]
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- You can also visit job listing websites like Craigslist and Indeed for a list of potential positions.
3
Visit your local waste management offices. If you do not apply online, you can find the address of your local waste management offices online and visit the location in person. This method will allow you to show your personality and allow you to market yourself in person, something that is lost in online applications. Ask the waste management offices if there are any available positions as a garbage collector and let them know that you are interested in applying.^{[10]
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- When speaking to the waste management employees, be sure to be professional and grateful for the opportunity to apply.
- When visiting the waste management facilities, bring your resume and give it to the recruitment office even if there are no positions are available. If a position becomes available, they are more likely to contact you if they have your resume.
4
Fill out an application for a garbage collection position. Whether you are applying online or in person, you will need to fill out an application for the available garbage collector position. Fill out the application with care, making sure to write down your correct information, and write as legibly as possible if you are filling out the paperwork out by hand.^{[11]
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- If you are filling out the application in person, be sure to have your resume on hand so that you can give it to the waste management employee when you turn in the application.
5
Dress professionally and act respectfully. It is best if you dress in business casual clothes when visiting the waste management offices in person. Act respectfully and professionally with the people you speak to and treat every interaction as if it were a job interview.^{[12]
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- Making a good impression on the people that work there will help you stand out amongst your competition.
6
Consent to a background check. Your future employer will most likely ask to perform a background check to ensure that you have not been convicted of a felony or a serious crime. This background check will be an important part of the hiring process, so allow the background check to happen even if you do have marks on your record.^{[13]
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- By consenting to the check, you will show that you have nothing to hide and better your chances of getting the job.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Following up on Your Application

1
Follow up with the waste management offices in person. Once you have applied, it is best to follow up with the waste management facility one to two weeks after your application. Dress professionally and ask if there is anything else you can do to help them during the hiring process. Showing up in person will show your dedication to the position and remind the company why you should be hired.^{[14]
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- When following up on your application, bring another copy of your resume to leave at the front desk.
2
Call the offices to follow up if they are too far away. Calling the facility to follow up will remind them of your status as a potential employee and leave a good impression on management as they make their decision.^{[15]
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- When calling, say hello, introduce yourself, and make it clear that you are following up on a recent application as a garbage collector.
3
Contact the facility to follow up by email to save time. A great way to remind the waste management headquarters of your application is to send the recruiter an email thanking them for considering you as an applicant. In the email, introduce yourself again and remind the waste management office which position you are applying for. Ask if there is anything else you can do to make the process easier, and thank them one more time before signing your name.^{[16]
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4
Prepare for your interview. Whether you are asked to interview for the position or not, it is important to be prepared if the time comes. Set out a business casual outfit and rehearse what you will say to the waste management recruiter when asked for an interview. Research the company and prepare questions for your future employer.^{[17]
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- Prepare a list of reasons why you are a good fit for the position and rehearse speaking about your job history out loud.
- Good questions to ask a potential employer include specifics about the position, including your expected salary and job requirements.

Community Q&A

Question

I don't have a license. Is it possible for me to ride in the truck and collect garbage?

Community Answer

Yes.
Question

How would I go about contacting these kinds of companies for a job?

Community Answer

Call and ask if the company is hiring helpers, loaders or slingers. If not, wait until the snow starts, because that's when they lose people.
Question

What kind of education is needed to become a garbage collector?

Community Answer

Requirements to become a garbage collector can vary depending on the employer. Most workers need to have a high school diploma and will receive on-the-job training from an experienced worker to develop the necessary basic skills. In order to operate a garbage truck, one typically needs to obtain a commercial driver's license, which consists of completing a practical training course and passing a regional exam. Garbage collectors who remove garbage from industrial plants and medical facilities will need to complete additional training programs to earn hazardous materials handling credentials. Most companies will also conduct drug tests and background checks on prospective employees.

Warnings

Don't even consider this employment if you have back, arm, or leg problems. It is a strenuous job that can build a great physique if you're already in good shape but can damage any body suffering from preexisting problems.

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This is not an easy job. Garbage collectors are very hard working and they go home exhausted.

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