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Entry Level Waste Management Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

What We’re Looking For: * 0-2+ years of B2B sales experience (uniform rental, industrial supply, waste management, safety gear, or janitorial services preferred) * Proven track record of ...

Landfill Field Technician

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

... waste management and construction. Since then, Landmarc has grown dramatically into a multi ... We are seeking candidates who are looking for an entry level position that will open a career ...

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Entry Level Waste Management information

See Tennessee salary details

$22.7K

$43.4K

$62.2K

How much do entry level waste management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level waste management in Tennessee is $43,412.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,800.00 and $47,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level waste management job?

Entry level waste management jobs involve collecting, sorting, and disposing of waste materials such as trash, recyclables, and hazardous items. Employees in these positions typically work for municipalities, private companies, or recycling centers, and may operate vehicles, use machinery, or perform manual labor. These roles provide valuable experience in environmental services and often offer on-the-job training, making them suitable for individuals new to the industry. Responsibilities may include following safety protocols, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring proper disposal methods are used.

What does an entry level waste management worker do?

In an entry-level waste management role, your daily tasks often include collecting, sorting, and disposing of waste materials according to company protocols and safety standards. You may also be responsible for operating basic equipment, ensuring that recycling guidelines are followed, and maintaining cleanliness in assigned areas. Teamwork is essential, as you'll frequently collaborate with supervisors and other crew members to complete routes efficiently. Over time, you'll gain exposure to various waste management processes, which can open up opportunities for advancement within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level waste management worker?

To thrive as an Entry Level Waste Management Worker, you need physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection equipment, basic vehicle operation, and adherence to OSHA regulations are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, safe waste handling and contribute to a clean, compliant environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Waste Management vs Entry Level Recycling Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Waste ManagementEntry Level Recycling Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, some certifications (e.g., OSHA)High school diploma, environmental awareness certifications
Work EnvironmentWaste facilities, landfills, collection sitesRecycling centers, community outreach events
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal waste departments, private waste companiesEnvironmental organizations, municipal recycling programs

Entry Level Waste Management roles focus on waste collection, disposal, and site operations, often requiring safety certifications. Entry Level Recycling Coordinators primarily handle recycling program promotion, community education, and coordination at recycling centers. Both roles serve environmental sustainability but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Waste Management jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Waste Management jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Waste Management jobs in Tennessee?

For Entry Level Waste Management jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Waste Management jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Waste Management jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Waste Management jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Waste Management job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Waste Management job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,412 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Environmental Technician 2nd Shift

Waste Management

Spring Hill, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 652 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description

WM, a Fortune 250 company, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America. We are strongly committed to a foundation of operating excellence, professionalism and financial strength. WM serves nearly 25 million customers in residential, commercial, industrial and municipal markets throughout North America through a network of collection operations, transfer stations, landfills, recycling facilities and waste-based energy production projects.

Mon - Fri

  • 2nd Shift 3:00pm - 11:30pm

Job Summary 
Supports WMSS onsite program, including manual labor associated with drum movements within the facility, drum bulking, drum crushing, assisting when extra personnel are needed, and other duties as assigned. This is an entry level, non-supervisory position focused on hazardous and non-hazardous waste related projects. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. 

  • Identify best practices that assist customers in reducing waste volumes, increasing operational efficiencies, identifying optimal equipment usage and generating cost savings. 
  • Segregate, label, mark and package waste materials in a safe and compliant manner. 
  • Collect, pour, transfer, consolidate, repackage and package solid, liquid & sludge material. 
  • Perform labor intensive activities such as container or drum collection, drum bulking, sorting trash for recyclables, and loading of trucks. 
  • Transfer waste into containers of different size. 
  • Provide labor support at 90 Day Hazardous Waste Pad, when applicable. 
  • May provide support or direction to less experienced Technicians. 
  • Wears required personal protective equipment. 
  • Participates and cooperates in safety process, including following written procedures, attending required training and scheduled meetings. 
  • Immediately reports any unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries or property damage to supervisor. 
  • Follows Environmental and Quality Management System (ISO 14001/9001) policy, procedures, and operational controls related to job responsibilities. 
  • Maintains compliance with applicable environmental, safety and transportation regulations (EPA, OSHA, and DOT). 

Supervisory Responsibilities 
This job has no supervisory duties.

Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the job. 

Education and Experience 

  • Education: High school diploma or G.E.D (accredited).
  • Experience: No previous experience (in addition to education requirement).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations or Other Requirements

  • Valid Drivers License required.
  • Pre-assignment and/or pre-hire customer-specific drug and/or alcohol testing may be required by certain customer-contract requirements. Such testing may include urinalysis, oral swab, drug hair follicle testing and/or alcohol testing.

Other Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Required

  • Must be able to work independently with little direction, and as a member of a team.

Work Environment
Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) most of the work day; 
  • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects up to 30 pounds most of the work day; 
  • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects up to 50 pounds occasionally; 
  • Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.) most of the work day; 
  • Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements most of the workday; 
  • Ability to perform tasks in inclement weather. 

Note: The level of physical effort may vary from site to site and in some cases be greater or lesser than documented here.

Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click "Apply."

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

What Waste Management employees say

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About WM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Environmental consulting services and water, sewage, waste, steam, air heating and cooling systems

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US