17 Trash Collector Interview Questions and Answers

Garbage collectors, also called sanitation workers, are responsible for picking up trash from homes, businesses, and other public places and transporting it to a landfill or incinerator. The job is dirty and can be dangerous, but it’s also an essential service that helps keep our communities clean and safe.

If you’re interested in becoming a garbage collector, you’ll need to go through an interview process. During the interview, you’ll be asked a variety of questions, including some that are specific to the job.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample garbage collector interview questions and answers.

Are you physically fit enough to do the work of a trash collector?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re physically fit enough for the job. They want someone who can do the work without getting injured or causing injury to others. In your answer, explain that you are in good physical shape and have no issues doing the work of a trash collector. If you haven’t done this type of work before, explain what kind of physical fitness you have.

Example: “I am very physically fit. I run five miles every morning and lift weights three times per week. I’ve never had any injuries while working out, so I think I’m ready to start lifting heavier objects at work. I also feel like my endurance is quite high, which will help me get through long days.”

What are some of the most important safety protocols you follow while on the job?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are committed to keeping yourself and your coworkers safe. They want someone who is willing to follow the rules, so they can ensure their employees’ safety. In your answer, explain what steps you take to keep yourself and others safe while on the job.

Example: “I always wear my reflective vest when I am out collecting trash. This helps me be more visible to drivers, which makes it safer for myself and other people around me. Another important thing I do is stay alert at all times. I know that if I get distracted, I could put myself or another person in danger. So, I try to focus on my work as much as possible.”

How do you handle the stress of working long hours and being away from family and friends?

Working as a trash collector can be physically demanding and require long hours. Employers ask this question to make sure you are prepared for the challenges of the job. In your answer, share how you manage stress in general and how it might help you handle working as a trash collector.

Example: “I have found that having a positive attitude is one of the best ways to reduce stress. When I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I take a few deep breaths and remind myself that everything will work out. This helps me stay calm and focused on my tasks. Another way I cope with stress is by exercising regularly. By staying active, I feel more energized and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.”

What is your experience with using industrial machinery and equipment?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with operating heavy machinery and equipment. Trash collectors often use industrial machinery to lift trash bins into trucks, so it’s important that you have some experience using this type of machinery. If you don’t have any experience operating industrial machinery, consider volunteering or working in a warehouse where you may have used similar machinery.

Example: “I’ve worked as a trash collector for five years now, and I’ve been driving an 18-wheeler truck for three years. I’m very comfortable operating large vehicles like these because they’re essential to my job. In fact, I volunteered at a recycling center when I was in high school, which helped me get my first job as a trash collector.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a challenging situation with a client or customer and whether you have the ability to diffuse conflict. In your answer, try to focus on your problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

Example: “In my last role as a trash collector, I had a customer who consistently missed their trash day. This caused me to make multiple trips to their home, which was inconvenient for them and myself. When I spoke with them about it, they told me that they were unaware of the schedule and apologized. From then on, I made sure to leave a note in their mailbox informing them of the collection days.”

If you saw an environmental issue in your community, what would you do about it?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the environment and how you can make a positive impact in your community. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific actions you would take to improve the environmental issue.

Example: “I believe that everyone has a responsibility to protect our planet. If I saw an environmental issue in my community, I would first educate myself on the problem so I could understand what was causing it. Then, I would find out who was responsible for the issue and talk with them about ways they could help fix it. Finally, I would work with local government officials to create new policies or regulations that would prevent similar issues from happening again.”

What would you do if you noticed a co-worker wasn’t following safety protocols?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re a team player. They want employees who are willing to speak up when they see someone doing something unsafe, but also know how to do it in a way that doesn’t offend anyone. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to address the situation and ensure everyone is safe on the job.

Example: “I once worked with a trash collector who didn’t wear his seatbelt while driving. I noticed he wasn’t wearing it one day and asked him about it. He told me he was too hot and couldn’t stand it anymore. I explained to him that if we got into an accident, he could be seriously injured or even killed because of his decision not to wear his seatbelt. He understood my concerns and promised to start wearing it again.”

How well do you communicate with others, both verbally and nonverbally?

Trash collectors often work in teams, so employers ask this question to make sure you can communicate with your coworkers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you had to communicate with someone else and how you did it successfully.

Example: “I have always been good at communicating verbally, but I also think nonverbal communication is important. For example, if I see that the trash truck is full, I will use hand gestures to let my partner know they need to empty the truck. This helps us both stay safe while we are working.”

Do you have any questions for us about the position or company?

This is your chance to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the job. It’s also a good time to ask any questions you have about the company or its policies.

Example: “I noticed that this position requires trash collectors to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends. I’m excited for the opportunity to work with such an innovative company, but I was wondering if there were any plans to implement more standard hours. I would love to be able to spend more time at home with my family.”

When was the last time you learned something new and applied it to your work?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your ability to adapt and grow as a professional. When answering, think of an example from the last year that shows you’re open to learning new things and how it helped you in your trash collection job.

Example: “Last year, I learned how to use our company’s new recycling software. At first, I was nervous because I wasn’t sure if I would be able to figure out how to use it on my own. However, I took the time to read through the manual and watched some online tutorials. After practicing for a few days, I got the hang of it and now know how to use it efficiently.”

We want to ensure our employees have access to support and resources to help them succeed. What type of support system do you have in place to help you perform your job well?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your support system and how you use it. They want to know that you have a strong support network in place, whether it’s friends or family members who help you succeed at work. In your answer, explain the type of support system you have and what role they play in helping you perform well on the job.

Example: “I have a very close friend who is also a trash collector. We often discuss our challenges and successes with each other, which helps us both grow as professionals. I also have a mentor who has been working for the company for many years. He always offers advice when I need it and gives me tips on how to improve my performance.”

Describe your experience with operating industrial trucks and other heavy machinery.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience operating heavy machinery and how you’ve used it in the past. Use examples from your previous job or a time when you operated heavy machinery for fun.

Example: “I have five years of experience driving large trucks, including garbage trucks. I worked as a driver for my local waste management company where I would drive our trucks to pick up trash bins and empty them into the truck. I also drove larger vehicles like delivery trucks and tractor trailers on occasion. In my free time, I enjoy racing cars at the track.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Consider including any certifications or training you have completed.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I became a trash collector in the first place. In my last position, I was able to help many people by collecting their trash each week. I also learned how to recycle and compost so that I could reduce waste as much as possible. This knowledge makes me an ideal candidate because I know what it takes to be successful in this role.”

Which trash collector or sanitation worker do you admire the most and why?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the sanitation industry. It also allows you to talk about someone who has inspired you and helped you get where you are today.

Example: “I admire my uncle, who works as a trash collector in New York City. He’s been doing this job for over 20 years now, and he loves it. I remember when I was younger, he would take me out with him on his route, and I always thought that was so cool. Now, I’m following in his footsteps, and I hope to be just like him one day.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of sanitation and waste management?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can contribute to a company’s success. When answering, consider what skills or qualities you have that will help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of sanitation and waste management is safety. I am always looking for ways to improve our processes so we are operating as safely as possible. For example, when I worked at my last job, I noticed that some trucks were having issues with their brakes. We had them all checked out, and it turned out that they needed new brake pads. This was a relatively inexpensive fix, but it could have been much more costly if we hadn’t caught it early.”

How often do you see unsafe behavior on the job?

Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to keep yourself and your coworkers safe. They want to see that you have the experience to recognize unsafe behavior and take action to correct it. In your answer, explain what unsafe behavior looks like and give an example of when you’ve seen it in the past.

Example: “I’ve seen a lot of unsafe behavior on the job. Some people throw trash out their car windows while they’re driving, which is obviously dangerous for me as I’m collecting trash. I also see people throwing trash into the recycling bins, which can contaminate the whole batch. At my last job, I saw someone doing this and stopped them from putting more trash in the bin. I explained why it was important to separate trash correctly and helped them put the trash in the right place.”

There is a natural disaster and you can’t make it into work. How would you handle this?

This question is a great way to see how you handle unforeseen circumstances. Employers want to know that you will be able to make it into work when scheduled and also that you are willing to do so if the situation calls for it. In your answer, explain what steps you would take in this situation and why they are important.

Example: “I would first call my supervisor or manager to let them know I wouldn’t be able to make it into work due to the natural disaster. Then, I would try to get home as quickly as possible to ensure my family was safe. After ensuring their safety, I would then check on any other loved ones who may need help. If there were no other people I could help, I would wait out the storm until it was safe to return to work.”