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Garbage Driver Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Waste Connections Inc

Driver

Royal, IA · On-site

$32/hr

This role operates garbage truck routes throughout the borough, ensuring the safe collection ... L Clean driving record One year of local route driving experience What You'll Get From Us ...

Waste Connections of Canada

Driver

Royal, IA · On-site

$32/hr

This role operates garbage truck routes throughout the borough, ensuring the safe collection ... L Clean driving record One year of local route driving experience What You'll Get From Us ...

Waste Connections Inc

Driver Helper- Queens NY

Royal, IA · On-site

$26/hr

🚛 Driver Helper - Royal Waste Services 📍 Location: Queens, NY 💵 Pay: $26.00 per hour 🕓 ... This role supports garbage truck operations by manually collecting solid waste along designated ...

Waste Connections Inc

Driver Helper-Bronx NY

Royal, IA · On-site

$26/hr

🚛 Driver Helper - Royal Waste Services 📍 Location: Bronx, NY 💵 Pay: $26.00 per hour 🕓 ... This role supports garbage truck operations by manually collecting solid waste along designated ...

Waste Connections Inc

Driver Helper-Bronx NY

Royal, IA · On-site

$26/hr

🚛 Driver Helper - Royal Waste Services 📍 Location: Bronx, NY 💵 Pay: $26.00 per hour 🕓 ... This role supports garbage truck operations by manually collecting solid waste along designated ...

Waste Connections Inc

CDL Driver- Bronx NY

Royal, IA · On-site

$30 - $32.90/hr

🚛 Driver - Royal Waste 📍 Location: Bronx, NY 💵 Pay: $30.00-$32.90 per hour (based on ... This role operates garbage truck routes throughout the borough, ensuring the safe collection ...

Waste Connections Inc

CDL Driver- Bronx NY

Royal, IA · On-site

$32/hr

🚛 Driver - Royal Waste 📍 Location: Bronx, NY 💵 Pay Starting: $32.00 per hour (based on ... This role operates garbage truck routes throughout the borough, ensuring the safe collection ...

Waste Connections Inc

CDL Driver- Queens NY

Royal, IA · On-site

$32/hr

🚛 Driver - Royal Waste 📍 Location: Queens, NY 💵 Pay Starting: $32.00 per hour (based on ... This role operates garbage truck routes throughout the borough, ensuring the safe collection ...

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All JobsGarbage Driver JobsGarbage Driver Jobs in Iowa

Garbage Driver information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do garbage driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage driver in Iowa is $18.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $21.68 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

Garbage Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Driver job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,003 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Front Load Garbage Truck Driver

Waste Connections Inc

Perry, IA • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Waste Connections rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 265 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 91 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Waste Connections Company is looking to hire a Driver. In this position, you will be responsible for collecting and loading waste, as well as transporting this waste to a landfill and /or transfer station. This a physically demanding job with big time benefits! We offer competitive pay along with an opportunity to join us for a long term career! If you are a dependable, team-oriented and service-driven person, with a passion for the environment, we may be the perfect place for you!

Click here to view A Day in the Life of a Waste Connections Driver - YouTube

💰 What We Offer:

  • Competitive Compensations

  • Safety Bonuses - Get rewarded for your safe habits

  • Yearly Boot Stipend - Get your boots covered

  • Benefits Plans - Keep yourself healthy

  • Matching 401(K) - Connect to your future

  • $23/hour based on experience

🛠 What You'll Do:

  • Ability to read route Tablet/sheets and service each customer identified on the sheet or assigned by the dispatcher.

  • Perform Daily Pre-trip and Post-Trip DOT inspections on vehicles. Such as checking fluids, safety equipment, lights and tire pressure.

  • Ability to perform a physically demanding job, loading and unloading, at times with no helpers.

  • Courteous interaction with our customers and perform other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

  • A typical schedule for this position is Monday-Friday with an occasional Saturday as needed, with overtime often.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

  • Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds.

  • Work environment involves some exposure to physical risks such as moving mechanical parts. Which require following basic safety precautions.

  • The employee is exposed to outside weather, including frequent wet and/or humid conditions, as well as exposure to fumes and vibration. Noise level is usually moderate.

Requirements:

  • Valid Class A or B CDL license with air brake endorsement Required.

  • Clean Driving Record.

  • Working knowledge of D.O.T. laws

  • Ability to work 50-55 hours a week

  • Schedule flexibility to work M-F with a starting time of 2AM (occasional Saturdays but No Sundays!)

  • Willingness to submit to and pass background check and pre-employment drug screening test

  • Ability to read, write and comprehend reports to complete daily assignments

  • Physical demands include:

  • Ability to function in a wide variety of environments to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments (i.e., rain, heat, sun, cold)

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and move and maneuver up to 100 pounds

  • Ability to mount and dismount the truck multiple times every day while on route

#ACBoost

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

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