Waste Collection and Removal
Waste Collection and Removal
Cleaning, Custodial & Facility Services
Waste Collection and Removal workers collect and transport waste or recyclable material while operating vehicles and handling systems safely.
What You Would Do
- Collect and transport waste or recyclable material
- Operate assigned equipment and complete route or disposal records
- Choose appropriate products and equipment
- Follow the site plan and verify that the assigned area meets service standards
- Review the assignment and prepare products
- Equipment and the work area
The exact work depends on the site, service agreement, materials, equipment and specialty.
Types of Work You Could Explore
Residential and commercial routes — Provide services in homes or residential properties while protecting occupants, belongings and surrounding surfaces.
Dumpsters — Focus on dumpsters as part of waste collection and removal work, using the site procedures, products, equipment and quality checks required for that assignment.
Roll-off — Focus on roll-off as part of waste collection and removal work, using the site procedures, products, equipment and quality checks required for that assignment.
Recycling — Focus on recycling as part of waste collection and removal work, using the site procedures, products, equipment and quality checks required for that assignment.
Bulk pickup — Focus on bulk pickup as part of waste collection and removal work, using the site procedures, products, equipment and quality checks required for that assignment.
Transfer stations — Focus on transfer stations as part of waste collection and removal work, using the site procedures, products, equipment and quality checks required for that assignment.
Vehicle inspection — Focus on vehicle inspection as part of waste collection and removal work, using the site procedures, products, equipment and quality checks required for that assignment.
You do not have to choose a specialty before you begin. Job titles and specialty names vary among employers and training programs, and one job may include more than one type of work.
Who Might Like This Career
This career may appeal to you if you are interested in residential and commercial routes, dumpsters, roll-off. It can be a good fit for people who enjoy careful problem solving, accurate work, learning how surfaces, products, equipment and site procedures work together and seeing a clear result from their effort.
Where You Could Work
streets, customer properties, transfer stations, landfills, recycling facilities and municipal yards.
Work Conditions and Safety
Cleaning and facility work may involve wet floors, lifting, repetitive movement, cleaning products or powered equipment. Product labels, safe handling, ventilation, protective equipment and clear site procedures help reduce risk.
Pay and Job Outlook
Median annual pay: $49,690 in May 2025 for refuse and recyclable material collectors, a related comparison occupation.
These are national U.S. figures for the occupation or comparison group named above, not a promised starting salary. Pay can vary considerably by location, experience, specialty, overtime, union agreement, employer, work arrangement and local market. People starting the career commonly earn less than experienced workers; paid training programs may increase wages as skills grow.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics career and pay information
Skills You Can Start Building
- Collect and transport waste or recyclable material, operate assigned equipment and complete route or disposal records
- Choose appropriate products and equipment, follow the site plan and verify that the assigned area meets service standards
- Read labels, site procedures, room schedules and safety information before starting
- Use cleaning products, tools and powered equipment as trained
- Prevent cross-contamination and communicate spills, damage, pests or repair needs promptly
- Plan an efficient route and check the finished area before leaving
How Waste Collection and Removal Work Is Changing
Autonomous floor equipment, dispensing systems, occupancy sensors, route software and digital inspection tools are changing how cleaning and facility teams plan and document work.
Software and AI may assist with schedules, staffing, route planning, supply forecasts and inspection records. Workers remain responsible for choosing safe methods, protecting privacy and property and checking real conditions.
Cleaning and facility work happens in real spaces with changing occupancy, surfaces and conditions. Workers must notice what an automated system may miss, choose an appropriate method, protect people and property and verify the finished area.
Education and Training
Preparation may include Registered Apprenticeship, employer training, CTE, technical or community college programs, manufacturer instruction, military experience and paid entry-level work. The best route depends on the occupation, equipment and local requirements.
Career Pathways and Apprenticeship Availability
Typical pathway: Established or clearly related apprenticeship routes are available.
Refuse and Recycling Collector apprenticeships may exist through municipalities and employers. CDL and equipment qualifications commonly apply.
A Registered Apprenticeship follows an approved training plan and combines paid work, supervised learning, related instruction and progressive skill development. Some employers use the word apprenticeship for paid programs that are not registered. Ask the sponsor which type it is and what credential, wage progression and job it provides.
Licenses and Certifications
Employer qualifications, occupational certifications, equipment credentials, environmental or transportation rules, contractor licensing or other requirements may apply depending on the work and jurisdiction. Verify requirements before enrolling and ask whether training prepares participants for needed examinations or credentials. OSHA Cleaning Industry Safety
Look up licenses in your state
Career Pathways to Learn Waste Collection and Removal and Gain Experience
Apprenticeship — Learn through real paid work with experienced workers who teach and guide you, supported by technical instruction and a structure for developing and measuring progress. Some apprenticeships are Registered Apprenticeships; others are not.
Entry-Level Jobs — Gain paid experience with tools, equipment, customer service, safety and workplace practices through beginning work in the field.
Youth Apprenticeship — Begin developing career skills through work while continuing high-school education where a suitable program is available.
Career and Technical Education CTE — Gain hands-on knowledge through a high-school or postsecondary program related to building services, hospitality, environmental services, facilities, business or safety.
Pre-Apprenticeship — Learn introductory skills, safety and workplace expectations while preparing for apprenticeship or employment. Verify that the program connects participants with real employers and does not charge tuition simply for possible access to an apprenticeship.
Co-op — Combine education with career-related work experience through a high school, CTE program, community college or other educational program.
Paid Work-Based Learning — Get paid to do real work for an employer while learning skills and gaining experience related to the career.
Employer or Industry Training — Learn site procedures, cleaning chemistry, equipment, infection prevention, restoration or other specialty methods. This training supplements supervised work and any required credential.
From Learning to Experienced Work
Skills develop through practice and experience. People who are new to the work usually receive more instruction and supervision. As they demonstrate skill, judgment and reliability, they take on more difficult work, greater responsibility and more independent assignments.
A common progression: Learn → Practice → Gain Experience → Build Confidence → Take on More Responsibility → Work More Independently
Experienced workers may eventually supervise work or teach and guide newer workers, trainees and apprentices.
Where This Career Can Lead
With experience, you may qualify for specialty assignments, become a lead or supervisor, train newer workers or move into inspection, estimating, account management, facility coordination or business ownership. Specialized work may require added training or credentials.
Questions to Ask Before You Apply
- Is this a paid job from the beginning?
- Is it a Registered Apprenticeship, an employer-run apprenticeship, another training program or a regular job with training?
- What equipment and work will I learn, and who will teach me on the job?
- How does pay increase as I gain skills?
- Who provides the classes, and can I earn college credit or an industry credential?
- What tools, transportation, physical requirements, licenses, background checks or costs should I expect?
Explore related careers
Consider these careers with overlapping tools, materials, systems or work settings:
Custodial Supervision
Cleaning-Business Operations
Pressure-Washing Services
Crime-Scene and Trauma Cleaning
Commercial Cleaning
Institutional Custodial Services
Healthcare Environmental Services
Explore opportunities
Search apprenticeships and programs on Apprenticeship.com
Explore Apprenticeship.com state apprenticeship guides
Learn more from official career resources