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Garbage Driver Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Waste Connections of Canada

Driver Helper

Virginia, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Ride on garbage truck to assist the Driver service customers - will load refuse bags and bring containers to the truck for proper disposal. * Directing the truck driver when backing * Assisting with ...

Waste Connections Inc

Driver Helper

Virginia, IL

Ride on garbage truck to assist the Driver service customers - will load refuse bags and bring containers to the truck for proper disposal. * Directing the truck driver when backing * Assisting with ...

Waste Connections of Canada

CDL Driver

Elgin, IL · On-site

$31.13/hr

... Driver to join the team at our location in Elgin IL. POSITION SUMMARY ... In this position you will be operating a garbage truck on a specified route. * This is a position ...

Waste Connections

CDL Driver

Aurora, IL · On-site

$31.13/hr

... Driver to join the team in Aurora, IL. POSITION SUMMARY ... In this position you will be operating a garbage truck on a specified route. * This is a position ...

Waste Connections Inc

CDL Driver

Elgin, IL

$31.13/hr

... Driver to join the team at our location in Elgin IL. POSITION SUMMARY ... In this position you will be operating a garbage truck on a specified route. * This is a position ...

Waste Connections

CDL Driver

Freeport, IL · On-site

$28/hr

As a driver with us the minimum responsibilities are ... Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ...

Waste Connections

CDL Driver

Freeport, IL · On-site

$28/hr

As a driver with us the minimum responsibilities are ... Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ...

Waste Connections

Swing CDL Driver

Rochelle, IL · On-site

$29 - $31/hr

As a driver with us the minimum responsibilities are ... Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ...

Waste Connections

CDL Driver

Rockford, IL · On-site

As a driver with us the minimum responsibilities are ... Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets ...

Waste Connections Inc

CDL Driver

Virginia, IL

$30 - $32/hr

... Truck Driver to join our GROWING team in Manassas, VA. Drivers interested in secure, steady ... Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. Waste ...

Waste Connections of Canada

CDL Driver

Virginia, IL · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

... Truck Driver to join our GROWING team in Manassas, VA. Drivers interested in secure, steady ... Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. Waste ...

Waste Connections of Canada

CDL Driver

Virginia, IL

$30 - $32/hr

... Truck Driver to join our GROWING team in Manassas, VA. Drivers interested in secure, steady ... Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. Waste ...

Waste Connections

Driver Supervisor

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$47K - $56K/yr

In this role, you'll supervise garbage truck drivers , oversee daily route operations, manage dispatch, and drive safety performance. You'll also be mentored and trained for potential future ...

Waste Connections Inc

CDL Driver

Virginia, IL · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

... Truck Driver to join our GROWING team in Manassas, VA. Drivers interested in secure, steady ... Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. Waste ...

Urbana Autopark

Parts Delivery Driver

Urbana, IL · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Parts Delivery Driver The Ed Napleton Automotive Group is looking for our next Parts Delivery ... General housekeeping duties such as sweeping the floor, taking out the garbage, and maintaining a ...

Urbana Autopark

Parts Delivery Driver

Urbana, IL

$30K - $40K/yr

General housekeeping duties such as sweeping the floor, taking out the garbage, and maintaining a ... Must have a valid driver's license * Ability to perform heavy lifting is required. * 18+ years of ...

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All JobsGarbage Driver JobsGarbage Driver Jobs in Illinois

Garbage Driver information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do garbage driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage driver in Illinois is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a garbage driver do?

A garbage driver, also known as a refuse collector or sanitation truck driver, is responsible for operating garbage trucks to collect waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and public areas. They follow established routes and schedules, ensuring timely and safe removal of trash. In addition to driving, they may also assist in loading and unloading waste containers and are required to follow safety and environmental guidelines. This role is essential in keeping communities clean and maintaining public health standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a garbage driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garbage Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), good driving record, and knowledge of safe vehicle operation. Familiarity with garbage trucks, hydraulic lift systems, and GPS routing technology is typically required. Reliability, attention to detail, and strong customer service skills help drivers build positive relationships with clients and maintain high safety standards. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, safe, and compliant waste collection services that support community health and sanitation.

What are some common challenges garbage drivers face on their routes, and how can they prepare for them?

Garbage drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating narrow streets, variable weather conditions, and dealing with unpredictable traffic patterns. Additionally, they must remain vigilant for pedestrians and properly handle heavy or hazardous waste. Preparation involves familiarizing themselves with their routes, conducting routine vehicle inspections, and adhering strictly to safety protocols to minimize risks and maintain efficiency.

What is the difference between Garbage Driver vs Recycling Truck Driver?

AspectGarbage DriverRecycling Truck Driver
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often requiredDriver's license, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentResidential/commercial waste collectionRecycling collection at residential/commercial sites
Industry UsageWaste management, sanitation servicesRecycling and environmental services
Job TasksCollect and transport wasteCollect and transport recyclable materials

Both Garbage Drivers and Recycling Truck Drivers operate in waste management, often requiring similar licenses and working in residential or commercial areas. The main difference lies in the materials they handle: Garbage Drivers focus on waste, while Recycling Truck Drivers specialize in recyclable materials. Their roles are essential for maintaining sanitation and environmental sustainability.

How to get a job on a garbage truck?

To become a garbage truck driver, you typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with a clean driving record, and some employers may require prior experience driving large vehicles. Job openings are often posted by waste management companies or municipal agencies, and applicants should be prepared for physical work and early morning or evening shifts. Completing safety training and understanding local regulations can improve your chances of employment.

Is it hard to become a garbage driver?

Becoming a garbage driver typically requires a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and physical ability to handle the job's physical demands. The process involves training, passing written and driving tests, and sometimes background checks, but it is generally accessible for those meeting the requirements.

Why do garbage truck drivers get paid so much?

Garbage truck drivers often earn higher wages due to the physically demanding nature of the job, the need for specialized skills in operating large vehicles, and the early or irregular hours they work. Their responsibilities include ensuring safe and efficient waste collection, which requires training and adherence to safety regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Garbage Driver jobs in Illinois?

For Garbage Driver jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Garbage Driver jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage Driver jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Garbage Driver jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Garbage Driver job openings:

Garbage Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Driver job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,207 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Driver Helper

Waste Connections of Canada

Virginia, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

American Disposal is looking for a safety conscious Driver Helper to join the team at our Manassas, VA location.

The Helper position is responsible for helping the driver of a garbage truck on specified routes to manually collect solid waste and transport it to appropriate disposal sites.

Typical job duties include (but are not limited to):

  • Ride on garbage truck to assist the Driver service customers - will load refuse bags and bring containers to the truck for proper disposal.

  • Directing the truck driver when backing

  • Assisting with vehicle maintenance

  • Operate packing mechanisms and levers to activate the loading arm

  • Clean the packer blade and truck body

  • Deliver positive customer service interactions

  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

  • This is a very physical job working outside in all weather conditions.

  • Monday-Friday day shift with occasional Saturdays.

What We Offer:

  • Good pay, family benefits, 401k, vacation and a great management team.

  • Garbage is very stable and we work year round.

Job Requirements:

  • Ability to lift 50lbs repeatedly throughout the day.

  • Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.

Apply today and Connect with Your Future!

We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement.

Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.

Apply