How To Become a Garbage Man
If you are interested in becoming a garbage man, there are many things to consider. Not only do you need to be physically fit and able to lift large objects, but also mentally tough. Garbage men have to deal with all kinds of unpleasant situations, from rotten food and animal carcasses to human body parts. Many people find it difficult to stomach this kind of work, but if you can handle it, it can be very rewarding.
Here is how you can become a garbage man:
- Get a job as a janitor or groundskeeper at a local school or park. This will give you experience working with the public and dealing with their trash.
- Work hard at your current job so that when the time comes for promotion, your employer will promote you over someone else who hasn’t worked as hard as you have!
- Make sure that your resume is up-to-date and includes all relevant job experience related to being a garbage man (i.e., janitorial work).
How To Become Garbage Man
Garbage collectors are incredibly important employees who help maintain the cleanliness of our environments and homes. These professionals must be in excellent physical condition, be able to work well as part of a team and be educated on waste management. In this article, we’ll discuss what a garbage collector does, steps you can take to pursue this career, the average salary for garbage collectors and the skills needed to work in this profession.
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What does a garbage collector do?
A garbage collector is a waste management professional who works for private and government waste management organizations. These professionals pick up and remove waste from homes, businesses and other locations and take the waste to a designated location for proper disposal. Garbage collectors often work as part of a team of two or three other waste management professionals. They typically travel in a large garbage truck to retrieve waste using both the truck’s machinery and their hands. Other duties of a garbage collector include:
- Navigating through residential and commercial streets to pick up waste at the appropriate locations
- Operating hydraulic lifts that are attached to the garbage truck
- Operating the garbage truck
- Removing waste that requires special handling, such as waste that is toxic or very large in size
- Working with and removing hazardous materials and disposing of them in the appropriate manner
Related: A Guide To Civil Service Jobs
Work environment for garbage collectors
Garbage collectors work in an outside environment and spend much of their time in a garbage truck and handling garbage outside of the truck. These professionals are regularly exposed to weather, as garbage must be picked up in all weather including snow and rain. They may work a regular shift, such as 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or more untraditional hours, such as very early in the morning or very late at night.
Garbage collectors must be physically fit and able to pick up and dispose of trash, operate the truck’s hydraulic system and drive the garbage truck. They often must lift heavy objects and items and place them into the garbage truck or other garbage container.
These professionals are also regularly exposed to hazardous and/or dangerous materials and must take the proper precautions to protect themselves. Potential hazards that garbage collectors may come into contact with include dust inhalation, broken glass, chemicals, diseases and syringes.
Related: 12 Ways To Find Local Jobs
How to become a garbage collector
While no extensive education is required for this career path, there are certainly steps to follow if you’re interested in pursuing a career as a garbage collector such as:
1. Obtain a high school diploma
Nearly all garbage collector positions require candidates to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. If you do not have a high school diploma, you can pursue a GED in its place.
2. Get in shape
Because the job of a garbage collector is physically demanding, it’s important to start getting into shape before you pursue this career. Implementing a regular fitness routine can help you strengthen your body and build stamina. Upper body strength is especially important for garbage collectors, as they often lift heavy objects and garbage bags.
3. Gain experience
There are several ways in which you can gain experience before pursuing a career as a garbage collector. Working in positions that require you to work as part of a team and regularly perform physical labor will help you get the experience that will prepare you for garbage collecting. For example, working for a moving company is a great way to gain experience working with a team and lifting heavy objects regularly.
4. Apply for and obtain a commercial driver’s license
Most garbage collectors are required to hold a commercial driver’s license. This allows them to operate a garbage truck. While many waste collection companies will hire garbage collectors who do not hold this license yet, having one before you apply can help set you apart from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired.
5. Apply for positions
Once you have your high school diploma or equivalent, experience and a commercial driver’s license, you can now begin applying for garbage collector positions. These positions are often listed on job sites as well as local waste management websites. Consider applying for entry-level positions to begin with if you have no prior experience working in waste management.
Related: 10 Tips for Completing a Job Application To Get an Interview
Average salary for garbage collectors
The average national salary for garbage collectors and dump truck drivers in the United States is recorded here at $44,221 per year, although salary averages are frequently updated. Several factors influence how much these professionals make, including their level of experience, where they work and their geographical location.
For example, garbage collectors with three to five years of experience make an average of $50,633 per year, while those with less than one year of experience make around $38,347 per year on average. Additionally, garbage collectors who live and work in Colorado Springs, CO, make an average of $49,932 each year, while those who work in Orlando, FL, make around $37,764 annually. In addition to salary, garbage collectors who work on a full-time basis often receive full benefits packages.
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Skills needed for garbage collectors
While a formal education is not a prerequisite for this profession, the following are the most important skills needed to pursue a career as a garbage collector:
- Customer service skills: Some garbage collectors interact with the public, such as with homeowners or business owners. Being friendly and having strong customer service skills is necessary when working with others in the community.
- Physical stamina: Physical stamina and strength is a must for all garbage collectors, as they spend much of their day operating garbage trucks and lifting heavy trash bags and other objects.
- Teamwork skills: Most garbage collectors work as part of a two- or three-person team. They must be able to coordinate with team members and communicate in a way that ensures all team members have the same expectations.
- Time management skills: Garbage collectors often have several stops each day that they must get to in a timely manner. Keeping track of time and managing a schedule of multiple stops in an effective way ensures these professionals are effective and complete their duties each day.
