Litter Control Worker

Career Guide

A Litter Control Worker helps keep public spaces clean and safe by picking up litter, emptying waste bins, removing debris, and reporting issues such as illegal dumping or hazards. The work is hands-on, outdoors, and often involves walking for long periods and lifting moderate loads.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Collect litter and debris from streets, sidewalks, parks, and public areas
Empty public trash and recycling bins and replace liners
Sort waste when required and place materials in the correct containers
Load bagged waste and debris for pickup or transport to disposal sites
Report hazards such as broken glass, needles, damaged sidewalks, and blocked drains
Identify and report illegal dumping and graffiti for follow-up
Use basic tools such as grabbers, brooms, shovels, and carts
Follow safety rules for traffic areas, sharp objects, and biological waste
Keep simple work records such as routes completed and issues found
Support special cleanups after events, storms, or seasonal leaf drop

Top Skills for Success

Reliability

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Teamwork

Communication

Physical Stamina

Safe Lifting

Route Awareness

Hazard Recognition

Waste Handling

Tool Use

Traffic Awareness

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Sanitation Worker

Groundskeeper

Janitor

Facilities Assistant

Park Maintenance Worker

Public Works Laborer

Transition Opportunities

Crew Lead

Field Supervisor

Waste Collection Driver

Equipment Operator

Parks Maintenance Technician

Code Enforcement Assistant

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Safety PracticesBiohazard HandlingIncident ReportingBasic Equipment CareCustomer Service

Development SuggestionsAsk for safety training and clear procedures for sharp objects and biological waste. Practice clear reporting with photos and location details. Learn basic care for tools and carts. Build customer service habits when working around the public.

Market Intelligence Report

Litter Control Worker is part of the Store Operations category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$26,000 to $34,000 per year

Mid Level$34,000 to $44,000 per year

Senior Level$44,000 to $55,000 per year

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring is driven by city sanitation needs, park maintenance, tourism areas, and seasonal cleanup programs. Demand often increases in spring and summer.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

City and County Public Works DepartmentsParks and Recreation DepartmentsSanitation ContractorsWaste Management CompaniesProperty Management FirmsBusiness Improvement DistrictsEvent Venue OperatorsCampus Facilities Departments

Industry Sectors

Local GovernmentWaste and Recycling ServicesProperty ManagementParks and RecreationTransportation HubsEducation CampusesHealthcare CampusesHospitality Districts

Recommended Next Steps

Get any required safety certifications offered by the employer

Request training on sharps handling and exposure response

Build a simple routine for documenting hazards and illegal dumping

Ask to shadow a crew lead to learn route planning and work standards

Learn basic tool maintenance and daily equipment checks

If interested in advancement, explore training for driving or equipment operation