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Garbage Waste Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA

Classify, weigh, and dispose of food waste, including donations, compost, garbage, and family meals. * Facility Walkthroughs: Conduct daily walkthroughs of kitchens, green stations, fulfillment, and ...

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Classify, weigh, and dispose of food waste, including donations, compost, garbage, and family meals. * Facility Walkthroughs: Conduct daily walkthroughs of kitchens, green stations, fulfillment, and ...

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA

$18 - $19/hr

Classify, weigh, and dispose of food waste, including donations, compost, garbage, and family meals. * Facility Walkthroughs: Conduct daily walkthroughs of kitchens, green stations, fulfillment, and ...

Waste Connections Inc

Local CDL Route Driver

Ontario, CA · On-site

$23.50/hr

Ontario Sanitary Service, a Waste Connections company, is looking for a safety-conscious Local CDL Garbage Truck Driver to join our team in Payette, ID ! . * Monday - Friday, 5:00am- Ending when the ...

Waste Connections

CDL Driver

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$24 - $35/hr

San Luis Garbage , a Waste Connections company, is now looking for a safety conscious, CDL Driver to join the team at our Hauling location in San Luis Obispo, CA . Monday-Friday day shift. Previous ...

Waste Connections

Driver Helper

Marina, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

Waste Connections is looking for a safety conscience Driver Helper to join our growing team in Olive Branch, MS. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Ability to safely operate on and around a garbage truck ...

Waste Connections

Driver

Marina, CA · On-site

Safely operating a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. * Reading route sheets and service each customer identified on the sheet or assigned by the dispatcher. * Performing ...

Waste Connections

CDL Driver

San Jose, CA · On-site

$47.20 - $59/hr

Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste. Waste experience preferred, but not required. * Ability to read route sheets and service each customer identified ...

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Garbage Waste information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$71.9K

$111K

How much do garbage waste jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for garbage waste in California is $71,937.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $92,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a garbage waste collector do?

A garbage waste collector is responsible for picking up, transporting, and disposing of residential, commercial, and industrial waste and recyclables. They operate garbage trucks along designated routes, ensure proper handling of waste materials, and sometimes sort recyclable items. The role is essential for maintaining public health and cleanliness in communities by ensuring waste is managed safely and efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Waste Collector, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and a valid driver's license, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, basic mechanical knowledge, and safety equipment are commonly required. Dependability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are standout soft skills in this field. These skills are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible waste management in communities.

What are some common challenges faced by garbage waste collectors, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Garbage waste collectors often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy or hazardous materials, and adhering to strict safety protocols. It's important for applicants to be physically fit, attentive to safety guidelines, and comfortable working early mornings or during holidays. Teamwork is essential, as collectors coordinate closely with drivers and fellow crew members to complete routes efficiently. Building good communication skills and a strong work ethic will help new employees adapt and succeed in this role.

What is the difference between Garbage Waste vs Recycling Technician?

AspectGarbage WasteRecycling Technician
CertificationsNone required or basic waste management certificationsRecycling certifications or environmental training often preferred
Work EnvironmentWaste collection sites, landfills, residential/commercial routesRecycling centers, collection routes, sorting facilities
Industry UsageMunicipal waste collection, waste management companiesRecycling programs, environmental services

Garbage Waste workers focus on collecting and disposing of general waste, often working at landfills or residential routes. Recycling Technicians handle sorting and processing recyclable materials, often requiring specialized environmental knowledge. Both roles are essential in waste management but differ in their focus and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Garbage Waste jobs in California?

For Garbage Waste jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Garbage Waste jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage Waste jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Garbage Waste jobs?

Cities in California with the most Garbage Waste job openings:

Garbage Waste jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Waste job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,937 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Local Garbage Route Driver- Colfax,WA

Waste Connections Inc

Empire, CA

$29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 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

Empire Disposal, a Waste Connections Company in Colfax, WAIs looking to Hire a Local CDL RearLoad Garbage Truck Driver

Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 4:00 AM-2:00 PM (Occasional OT)

Pay: $29.00/hr CDL $26.90/hr NonCDL Average Hours: ~45 per week

Position Overview

Empire Disposal is seeking a safetyfocused Local CDL Garbage Truck Driver to service residential and commercial rearload routes. This is a laborintensive role requiring continuous movement in and out of the truck, manual collection of solid waste, and safe operation of rearload equipment. Drivers transport collected waste to designated disposal facilities while maintaining strict safety, environmental, and customerservice standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Route Navigation - Read route sheets or driver tablets to service all assigned customers.
  • Vehicle Inspections - Perform routine pretrip and posttrip inspections, checking fluids, tires, and safety equipment.
  • Manual Waste Collection - Load and unload waste manually, often without helpers, requiring heavy lifting and repetitive movement.
  • Hydraulic Equipment Operation - Operate rearload hydraulic controls to lift, load, and dispose of refuse safely.
  • Customer Interaction - Provide courteous service and communicate professionally with customers and dispatch.
  • Safety Compliance - Follow all company, DOT, and environmental safety protocols.
  • Perform additional jobrelated duties as assigned by management.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

  • Heavy physical labor including lifting, pushing, and pulling 50+ lbs.
  • Frequent entry and exit from the truck throughout the shift.
  • Exposure to outdoor weather, wet/humid conditions, fumes, vibration, and moderate noise.
  • Work around moving mechanical parts, requiring strict adherence to safety procedures.

Minimum Requirements

  • Valid Class A or B CDL with Air Brake Endorsement.
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate in English; high school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • 2+ years of related driving or wasteindustry experience.
  • Basic knowledge of truck components to complete DOTcompliant inspections.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding labor daily.

Why Join Empire Disposal?

  • Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
  • Highly competitive wages
  • 401(k) company plan
  • $300 annual boot allowance
  • Up to $1,000 annual safety bonus
  • Strong company culture built on integrity, teamwork, and empowerment
  • Local routes - home daily
  • Career growth within a GROWING Waste Connections company

To be considered for any of our current openings you must complete an application at www.wasteconnections.com . Application information and additional instructions can be found once you select your position of interest.

We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term & short term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement and unlimited opportunities to "Connect with Your Future". A link to our benefits overview can be found here: https://careers.wasteconnections.com/us/en/benefits

Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status. WA state wage Range $29.00/HR-29.00/HR

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