Trash Collectors

Wages & Outlook

Wages

Wages vary by area of the country and the collector's duties.

Full-time trash collectors usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, health insurance, and sick leave. Some employers also offer a retirement plan.

View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

Employment

In Minnesota, about 2,015 trash collectors work in this small occupation.

Major employers:

Local government agencies (sanitation department)
Trash collection companies
Temporary worker agencies
Waste treatment and disposal companies

Outlook

As the population grows, more waste will be created. Some of this will be recycled and some will be trash. Collectors will be needed to pick up both items. However, trash companies are trying to reduce their costs, so they may not hire many new employees. Instead, current employees may work longer hours. In addition, some companies have distributed trash cans with special handles. These cans can be lifted by a mechanical arm on a truck instead of by the trash collector. Collectors can work much faster on routes that have these cans. Some jobs will also be available as current workers retire or switch jobs.

Employment Outlook for Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
	Employment		Employment Change
	2010	2020	Number	Percent
U S	139,900	168,100	28,200	20.2%
Minnesota	2,314	3,019	705	30.5%
	2010	2020	Number	Percent
Central Minnesota	376	543	167	44.4%
Northeast Minnesota	182	249	67	36.8%
Northwest Minnesota	167	244	77	46.1%
Southeast Minnesota	144	200	56	38.9%
Southwest Minnesota	211	266	55	26.1%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN	1,198	1,496	298	24.9%