Career fit quiz

Is Refuse Collector the Right Career for You?

A quick, free 8-question quiz to see how well the refuse collector career fits your personality, preferences and goals.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How this quiz works

Rate how much you agree with each statement. The quiz compares your answers with the realities of the refuse collector job and gives you an honest fit score in under two minutes. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

Statement 1 of 8I don’t mind very early mornings
Statement 2 of 8I like driving big trucks
Statement 3 of 8I want steady work with benefits
Statement 4 of 8I can handle outdoor work in any weather
Statement 5 of 8I take safety seriously
Statement 6 of 8I like finishing work by early afternoon
Statement 7 of 8I’m willing to spend about 1–8 weeks training for this career
Statement 8 of 8A typical salary around $49,690 a year would meet my needs

What this career really involves

Refuse and recyclable material collectors drive or ride collection trucks, collect household and commercial waste and recycling, and haul it to landfills, transfer stations and recycling centers.

  • Drive collection routes safely
  • Operate automated arms and compactors
  • Collect trash, recycling and yard waste
  • Inspect trucks before and after routes
  • Check containers for contamination or hazardous items

Read a full day in the life or see refuse collector salary data.

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