Workers may be exposed to strong odors from garbage and loud noise of hydraulic machinery. Trash collectors work in all types of weather, including rain and snow. Work schedules include early morning and evening hours. Some trash collectors work on weekends. They may belong to a union.
Wages vary with level of training, experience and location.
Entry level wages may be lower. Pay varies by geographic location and shift worked. Full-time trash collectors may receive benefits. Common benefits are sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. There were 1,650 people employed as refuse and recyclable materials collectors in Indiana in 1998.