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Apprentice Solid Waste Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Refuse Worker I

Enterprise, AL · On-site

$12.50 - $15/hr

Solid Waste Collection Position This position performs duties associated with the collection ... apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. * Possession of or ...

Drives a refuse collection truck along an assigned route to collect solid waste, commercial waste ... apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ...

... to collect solid waste, commercial waste, or yard waste. · Transports refuse to landfill. · ... of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. · ...

Refuse Worker I

Enterprise, AL · On-site

$13.72 - $20.88/hr

Loads solid waste onto a truck. Assists garbage truck and knuckle boom truck operators in backing ... apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ...

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Apprentice Solid Waste information

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$12

$22

$37

How much do apprentice solid waste jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice solid waste in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Apprentice Solid Waste workers?

Apprentice Solid Waste workers are individuals who are in the early stages of training to become solid waste professionals. They typically assist with the collection, sorting, and disposal of garbage, recyclables, and other waste materials under the guidance of experienced staff. Apprentices learn how to operate various equipment, follow safety protocols, and understand environmental regulations related to waste management. This role provides hands-on experience and knowledge needed for advancement within the solid waste industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Apprentice Solid Waste workers, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Apprentice Solid Waste workers often encounter challenges such as handling physically demanding tasks, adapting to early or irregular work hours, and ensuring safety while working around heavy equipment and hazardous materials. To effectively overcome these challenges, it’s important to maintain proper lifting techniques, make use of provided safety gear, and communicate regularly with your team members. Additionally, staying attentive during training sessions and asking questions can help apprentices quickly adapt and perform their duties efficiently in a supportive team environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Solid Waste Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Solid Waste Worker, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic math and literacy skills, and the physical ability to perform manual labor. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, safety equipment, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) are commonly required. Dependability, teamwork, and strong communication are important soft skills that help ensure efficient and safe operations. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining public health and environmental standards while supporting effective waste management services.

What is the difference between Apprentice Solid Waste vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectApprentice Solid WasteWaste Management Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or GED; may require certifications like CDL or waste management licenses
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving collection, disposal, and recycling activitiesField and some office work related to waste collection, processing, and environmental compliance
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role in waste management companies, municipalitiesFull-time role in waste collection, disposal, and environmental services

In summary, an Apprentice Solid Waste is an entry-level position focusing on learning waste collection and disposal, often requiring on-the-job training. A Waste Management Technician is a more experienced role with similar work environments but may require additional certifications and responsibilities. Both roles are essential in the waste management industry, with the apprentice position serving as a stepping stone to a technician role.

More about Apprentice Solid Waste jobs
What cities are hiring for Apprentice Solid Waste jobs? Cities with the most Apprentice Solid Waste job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solid Waste jobs? The most popular types of Solid Waste jobs are:
What states have the most Apprentice Solid Waste jobs? States with the most job openings for Apprentice Solid Waste jobs include:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Solid Waste job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.
Solid Waste Truck Operator

Solid Waste Truck Operator

City of Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa, AL

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Summary The purpose of this classification is to operate trucks and related motorized equipment along an assigned route to collect solid waste. Essential Functions The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the position. Operates an automated garbage truck to collect solid waste.

Operates curb sorter recycling truck to collect recyclables. Operates and maintains equipment of medium size, weight, and difficulty to include sanitation truck and knucklebooms. Inspects job sites for possible hazards prior to operating equipment.

Operates the automated truck arm to collect garbage carts. Collects any waste that escapes the cart during collection. Retrieves garbage carts from homes with disabled service.

Notifies dispatch and/or supervisor of any route issues. Enters collection data into route management system. Enters potential code violations into route management system.

Drives truck to landfill and safely ejects load; ensures compliance with landfill regulations. Performs pre- and post-trip vehicle safety inspections; performs routine maintenance; reports other maintenance needs to supervisor. Maintains fuel, oil, and other fluid levels.

Greases arm, blade, tailgate, and other moving parts daily. Picks up, removes, and/or hauls trash, garbage, and other debris. Maintains cleanliness of truck.

Must be able to safety operate trucks and related equipment during inclement weather and heavy traffic while obeying traffic laws, work safety policies, and city policies and procedures. Knowledge of solid waste collection principles and practices, equipment operation principles, city and departmental safety policies and procedures, geography of the city to include street names and locations. Operates a variety of other vehicles and equipment as assigned.

Prepares and/or receives forms, reports, and/or other documents, forwards as appropriate. Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; responds to requests for service. Responds to requests for information from officials, employees, the public or other individuals.

Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department. Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities. Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Must meet regular attendance requirements. Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, and managers. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED preferred; sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Must obtain and maintain an Alabama Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B within twelve (12) months of date of hire. This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.

Minimum Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the position. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of equipment, machinery, and tools, which may include a sanitation truck, knuckleboom truck, dump truck, two-way radio, mechanics tools.

Physical demand requirements for some positions within this classification may at times be at levels of those for heavy work. DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include work orders, maps, and operational manuals. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with the general public.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: May require ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write basic job- related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. May require ability to speak with others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively basic mechanical and operational principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions. NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, and determine time and weight.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment, which may include standard measuring devices. MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using medium to heavy equipment and to operate a motor vehicle. MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, medium to heavy equipment, motor vehicles, control knobs, switches, mechanics tools, etc.

Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency. PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.