High School

Employers prefer applicants who are high school graduates. Workers who hope to advance to a supervisory position ought to have at least a high school diploma. High school classes that may be helpful include any shop classes that provide hands-on learning opportunities and physical education classes that teach you how to develop strength and endurance. A good understanding of basic math and English is also necessary to read instructions and operate equipment for the job.

Postsecondary Training

Generally, employers will hire people without work experience or specific training. Most employers, however, do require workers to be at least 18 years old and physically able to perform the work. Some employers provide on-the-job training to new hires that can last up to three months. 

Certification or Licensing

Workers who drive collection trucks need a commercial drivers license (CDL). In some areas, where the workers alternate jobs, a CDL is required even of those who are generally loaders. A clean driving record is often a necessity. Refuse collectors may have to pass a civil service test in order to work for a city or town.

Other Requirements

Refuse collectors must generally be at least 18 years old and capable of lifting heavy items.

No experience is needed to work as a refuse collector, but those with prior work experience will increase their chances of landing a job, getting promoted, and possibly earning higher pay.

Refuse workers need to be physically fit and able to lift heavy objects. Sometimes a health examination is required for employment. Employers look for workers who are reliable and hardworking.

Experience in driving a truck and in loading and unloading heavy material is helpful. Many refuse workers, especially those in metropolitan areas, are members of a union such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Those who work for private firms might not be unionized.