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Garbage Driver Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Truck Driver Residential II

Roswell, GA · On-site

$18.77 - $24.39/hr

E625 JOB SUMMARY The purpose of this classification is to drive a garbage truck to collect garbage ... Licenses or Certifications: · Possess and maintain a valid Class B Georgia Commercial Driver ...

Posted today

Responsible for ensuring that all trash, garbage, or brush is collected on residential routes ... New hires must work as a relief driver and/or perform collection duties until a regular route is ...

Route Driver

Marietta, GA · On-site

$18.80 - $21.44/hr

Responsible for ensuring that all trash, garbage, or brush is collected on residential routes ... New hires must work as a relief driver and/or perform collection duties until a regular route is ...

Route Driver

Marietta, GA · On-site

$18.80 - $21.44/hr

Responsible for ensuring that all trash, garbage, or brush is collected on residential routes ... New hires must work as a relief driver and/or perform collection duties until a regular route is ...

Truck Driver Residential I

Roswell, GA · On-site

$17.37 - $22.58/hr

Drives large garbage truck to collect garbage or yard trash; keeps to specific routes to ensure ... Possess and maintain a valid Class B Georgia Commercial Driver's License (CDL) including ...

Residential ASL Driver

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Waste Pro CDL Driver Opportunity Waste Pro has immediate openings for energetic CDL drivers ... Collects and dumps garbage and refuse into refuse trucks while covering a designated route in a ...

Residential ASL Driver

Doraville, GA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Collects and dumps garbage and refuse into refuse trucks while covering a designated route in a ... Must have a Class A or B CDL valid for the state in which the position works. Requires a clean ...

New

Regulated Garbage Training and Execution, Special "on-airport" driver training, airport badging requirements, TSA and Department of Homeland Security confirmations, and more. If any governmental ...

Driver

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Regulated Garbage Training and Execution, Special "on-airport" driver training, airport badging requirements, TSA and Department of Homeland Security confirmations, and more. If any governmental ...

Refuse Collector

Roswell, GA · On-site

$13.80 - $17.93/hr

Collects garbage and yard trash from residential homes or businesses; ensure complete removal of ... Serves as a relief driver, tasked with running routes, when the driver of a particular route is ...

The Front Load Driver operates refuse collection vehicles on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage. Responsible for the safe operation of the truck which includes: pre-trip and post-trip ...

Front Load Driver

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

The Front Load Driver operates refuse collection vehicles on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage. Performs pre-trip and post-trip truck check and cleaning; and performs other related ...

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Garbage Driver information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do garbage driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage driver in Atlanta, GA is $18.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $22.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How many hours a week do garbage drivers work?

Garbage drivers typically work around 40 hours per week, often involving early morning or evening shifts. Overtime may be required during busy periods or to cover route demands, and schedules can vary based on the employer and location.

How hard is it 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. Training is often provided by employers, and the job involves operating large trucks, working early mornings or evenings, and following safety protocols.

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 requirement to work early mornings or in challenging environments. Their compensation reflects the responsibility for safety, efficiency, and adherence to strict schedules in waste collection operations.

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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Garbage Driver jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Garbage Driver jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
Infographic showing various Garbage Driver job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,909 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Truck Driver Residential II

City Of Roswell

Roswell, GA • On-site

$18.77 - $24.39/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Department: Environmental/Public Works

Pay Grade: 506

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Code: E625


JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this classification is to drive a garbage truck to collect garbage or yard trash on an assigned route and to assist in the supervision of sanitation crews.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

· Assists with the supervision or assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, and disciplining.

· Coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise.

· Drives large garbage truck to collect garbage or yard trash; keeps to specific routes to ensure appropriate pick up; unloads truck at dumping sites; maneuvers in and around traffic, parked cars, crew workers, equipment, and other obstacles.

· Operates stationary equipment at waste disposal facilities; operates compactor to compress waste for optimum transfer and storage; operates baler to bundle materials, sorting materials as appropriate; operates stump grinder or wood chipper to grind large tree limbs for use as mulch; maintains constant awareness of environment to ensure safety of the operator, other crew workers, and the public.

· Obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; monitors immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public; utilizes safety equipment; ensures crew follows safety measures.

· Collects miscellaneous items at requested sites and disposes of material appropriately.

· Receives and responds to customer questions and complaints regarding problems pertaining to refuse; reports questions and complaints to direct supervisor.

· Operates packer on garbage truck or other tools as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of shovels, pitchforks, yard rakes, and brooms.

· Inspects and prepares equipment for safe and proper operation prior to beginning work for the day; performs light maintenance on equipment, which includes refueling, and refilling lubricants; cleans vehicles and mounted equipment upon completion of assignments; secures vehicle after use.

· Cleans truck daily to ensure sanitary working vehicle; removes litter from interior and washes down exterior.

· Communicates with supervisor, employees, the general public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review work status, exchange information, or resolve problems; responds to requests for service or assistance.

· Prepares or completes various forms, reports, time cards or other documents.

· Receives various forms, reports, equipment operating manuals, handbooks, manuals, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate.

· Performs other related duties as required.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Requires a High School Diploma; two (2) years of experience in the Public Works Department; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Licenses or Certifications:

· Possess and maintain a valid Class B Georgia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) including appropriate endorsements, with a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR).

Special Requirements:

· None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Ability to retain information regarding specific instructions for garbage or trash pick up.

· Ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.

· Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

· Ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.

· Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference data and information.

· Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. May include counting, recording of counts, and basic measuring.

· Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form. Involves semi-routine standardized work with some latitude for independent judgment concerning choices of action.

· Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium which requires the ability to exert light to medium effort that involves driving virtually all of the time. Work may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of medium weight (20-50 pounds). Tasks also require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, or rude/irate customers.


The City has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.


The City of Roswell, Georgia commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The City’s policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law.