Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
Also called: Collector, Disposal Man, Disposal Worker, Dumpman, Front Load Trash Truck Driver, Front Loader Residential Driver
Median pay
$49,690
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$33,590 – $75,900
People employed
147,240
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors pay by state
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors salary in every state →
What refuse and recyclable material collectors do
- 01Inspect trucks prior to beginning routes to ensure safe operating condition.
- 02Drive trucks, following established routes, through residential streets or alleys or through business or industrial areas.
- 03Refuel trucks or add other fluids, such as oil or brake fluid.
- 04Dump refuse or recyclable materials at disposal sites.
- 05Fill out defective equipment reports.
- 06Operate automated or semi-automated hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from refuse and recyclable material collectors
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers91% · +18%
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners86% · 0%
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators84% · +20%
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers83% · 0%
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation82% · group pay
Change into refuse and recyclable material collectors
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers85% · $58,640
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers83% · $49,450
- Light Truck Drivers82% · $44,860
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners79% · $49,880
- Helpers--Extraction Workers78% · $47,730