Safety & Environmental training

Refuse Collector Training

Learn what refuse collectors do and how they do it: a semi-in-depth, practical course covering the role, vocabulary, common procedures, safety and career launch.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Enroll nowView syllabus
What you’ll learn in Refuse Collector training

A practical, general introduction to the refuse collector job: what the role involves, 15+ key terms, how to perform common tasks such as complete a pre-trip inspection and collect carts with an automated arm, safety essentials and how to launch your career. Online, self-paced, about 6 hours, $59.99.

  • Tuition
    $59.99
    Volume pricing from 2 seats
  • Length
    6 hours
    10 modules
  • Format
    Online
    Self-paced, any device
  • Access
    12 months
    LMS access
  • Level
    Beginner
    To intermediate
  • You receive
    Certificate
    Of completion

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain what a refuse collector does day to day, where they work and how the role fits into the team
  • Use 15+ essential refuse collector terms correctly
  • Walk through complete a pre-trip inspection, collect carts with an automated arm, and back a collection truck safely step by step
  • Identify the tools, equipment and technology used on the job
  • Apply core safety, compliance and professional standards
  • Map your path into the field, including credentials such as CDL Class B

Course syllabus

10 modules, about 6 hours in total.

MODULE 01Introduction to the Refuse Collector Role30 min
  • What refuse collectors do and why the role matters
  • Where they work: settings, employers and teams
  • Pay, job outlook and the career ladder
  • Professional and ethical expectations
MODULE 02A Day on the Job20 min
  • A realistic shift, start to finish
  • Schedules, shifts and workload
  • Working with supervisors, coworkers and customers
  • The best and hardest parts of the job
MODULE 03Essential Refuse Collector Vocabulary35 min
  • Key term: Side-loader
  • Key term: Rear-loader
  • Key term: Front-loader
  • Key term: Roll-off
  • Key term: Transfer station
  • Plus 10 more terms with practice drills
MODULE 04Core Duties and Responsibilities35 min
  • 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
MODULE 05Common Tasks, Step by Step1 hr 20 min
  • How to complete a pre-trip inspection
  • How to collect carts with an automated arm
  • How to back a collection truck safely
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
MODULE 06Tools, Equipment and Technology30 min
  • Side-loader, rear-loader and front-loader trucks
  • Automated arm controls
  • Onboard cameras and route tablets
  • Pre-trip inspection checklists
  • Safety vests and gloves
MODULE 07Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards45 min
  • Never ride on the outside of a moving truck unless equipped and permitted
  • Watch for pedestrians
  • Keep hands clear of compactors and arms
  • Wear high-visibility clothing and gloves
MODULE 08Skills Employers Look For30 min
  • Commercial truck driving
  • Automated arm operation
  • Pre-trip inspections
  • Reliability
  • Safety awareness
MODULE 09Launching Your Refuse Collector Career30 min
  • Education and training pathways
  • Credential overview: CDL Class B
  • Credential overview: SWANA certifications
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Your first 90 days on the job
MODULE 10Final Knowledge Check30 min
  • Comprehensive practice exam with explanations
  • Certificate of completion on passing

Who this training is for

  • Students: find out what the refuse collector job is really like before choosing a program or major.
  • Career changers: test-drive the field and build vocabulary and confidence before investing in formal training.
  • New hires and employers: shorten ramp-up time with a consistent foundation for every new refuse collector.

Pricing

$59.99 per learner. Buying for a team? Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners.

SeatsDiscount
2 to 101% off
11 to 202% off
21 to 503% off
51 to 1005% off
101 to 2507% off
251 to 5008% off
501 to 1,00010% off

Free preview lessons

Sample the course material for free:

Why train for this career

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. BLS reports a median wage of $49,690 (May 2025) and about 15,500 openings per year. Read the full refuse collector career profile or see salary details.

Enroll in Refuse Collector Training

Fill this out and press the button: your email app will open with a pre-filled message to our enrollment team (info@hazwoper-osha.com). We reply with a payment link or invoice and your learning-platform login. Nothing you type is stored on this website.

Course Refuse Collector Training · 6 hours · $59.99 per learner

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Refuse Collector training FAQ
How long is the Refuse Collector training?
About 6 hours, online, self-paced. You get 12 months of LMS access, so you can learn around work or school.
How much does the Refuse Collector training cost?
$59.99 per learner. Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners, up to 10% off for large groups.
Is the course online?
Yes. The course runs on our online learning platform (LMS). After you enroll, we email your login details.
Will this course make me a licensed or certified refuse collector?
No. This is a general career-preparation course. It does not by itself grant a state license, national certification or academic credit. Drivers of most collection trucks need a CDL and DOT medical card and must meet federal and state drug and alcohol testing rules. It is designed to help you understand the job and prepare for the formal training, exams and interviews that follow.
Who is this course for?
Students exploring careers, adults changing careers, new hires who want a faster ramp-up, and employers onboarding refuse collectors.
How do I enroll?
Use the enrollment form on this page. It opens a pre-filled email to our team, and we reply with your payment link or invoice and your LMS access. You can also call 1-866-429-6742.
Do you offer group or employer pricing?
Volume pricing from 2 seats. Choose “My team or employees” on the form or visit our employer training page.
What do I receive when I finish?
Certificate of completion from Career Education Institute after you pass the final knowledge check.


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