1. B. helper
2. A. environment
3. A. collecting
4. A. ground
5. C. products
6. D. reduce
7. B. physically
8. D. preserving

So the passage with the correct options filled in would read:

A local garbage collector is an important community (1) __helper__. They work to clean up our neighborhoods and pick up waste that could harm our (2) __environment__. You can often see garbage collectors drive large trucks and stop at each house or building to pick up the trash. They use special equipment to lift and empty the garbage cans into the truck.

After (3) __collecting__ waste from homes and businesses, they take it to a landfill or recycling center, where the garbage is properly treated. At the landfill, the garbage is buried in the (4) __ground__ so that it doesn’t smell or attract pests. At the recycling center, the garbage is processed so that it can be reused to make new (5) __products__. This helps (6) __reduce__ the amount of waste that goes into landfills and helps preserve natural resources.

Without a doubt, being a garbage collector can be (7) __physically__ demanding work. They have to lift heavy garbage cans and work outside in all kinds of weather. Their work plays a crucial role in (8) __preserving__ the natural beauty of the community.