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Garbage Waste Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

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 ...

Sonoma Garbage Collectors

Welder

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Sonoma Garbage Collectors (SGC), a third generation expanding leader in waste and recycling services throughout Sonoma County since 1954. At SGC, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence in ...

Sonoma Garbage Collectors

Welder

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Sonoma Garbage Collectors (SGC), a third generation expanding leader in waste and recycling services throughout Sonoma County since 1954. At SGC, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence in ...

Sonoma Garbage Collectors

Welder

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Sonoma Garbage Collectors (SGC), a third generation expanding leader in waste and recycling services throughout Sonoma County since 1954. At SGC, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence in ...

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

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 17, 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, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 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.

Zero Waste Operator

CookUnity

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

About the Role

The Sustainability Operator plays a key role in ensuring that daily wastemanagement procedures are executed correctly across the LA facility. This role supports the operational execution of recycling, compost, waste audits, and donation processes, helping maintain clean, compliant, and efficient wastediversion systems.

The Sustainability Operator is responsible for carrying out daily walkthroughs, completing wasteaudit forms, preparing and coordinating donations, and ensuring correct sorting and disposal of materials in all kitchens and work areas. This role provides essential operational support to the facility by monitoring compliance, identifying contamination, and reinforcing correct wastehandling behaviors among staff.

Key responsibilities include executing daily waste audits, preparing food waste for donation or internal use, coordinating donation pickups with partner organizations, maintaining Green Stations, and ensuring all supplies needed for proper waste diversion are available and correctly used. This role ensures that Zero Waste procedures are followed consistently and effectively, contributing to CookUnity's environmental goals and operational priorities. 

Responsibilities  

  • Daily Waste Audits: Perform daily trash audits across workstations and document findings.
  • Correct Waste Disposal: Ensure proper waste disposal procedures are followed in all kitchens.
  • Food Waste Handling: 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 market areas; complete the DAILY AUDIT BIN FORM to identify contamination.
  • Contamination Control: Check recycling and compost streams to ensure they are free of incorrect materials.
  • Material Sorting: Separate and move recyclable and compostable materials according to facility standards.
  • Donation Management: Collect, weigh, record, and pack donations; receive partners and hand off prepared products.
  • Food Waste Preparation: Condition and prepare food waste for donation or internal reuse (back to market).
  • Donation Coordination: Coordinate donation pickups with partnered nonprofit organizations.
  • Daily Reporting: Complete daily trackers for recycling, compost, and donation volumes.
  • Zero Waste Compliance: Follow all safety, cleanliness, and Zero Waste process standards.
  • Operational Feedback: Provide daily feedback to staff to reinforce correct wastesorting behaviors.
  • Green Leader Support: Support team members as a Green Leader, promoting "Go Green" practices.
  • Waste Diversion Supplies: Ensure stations have the correct supplies (stickers, posters, bins) for proper waste diversion.
  • Green Station Maintenance: Coordinate with the cleaning team to keep the Green Stations clean and in order.

General Schedule and Workdays

  • Full Time (5 days a week - 36 to 40 hs weekly).
  • AM: 7:30 to 4:00 pm.
  • PM: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
  • Available to work on the weekends.

Qualifications

  • Operational Experience: Previous experience in warehouse, food production, cleaning, or other handson operational roles. Comfortable working in kitchens, warehouse areas, and food production spaces.
  • Physical Requirements: Ability to safely lift and move 20 lbs or more throughout the shift.
  • Basic Reporting Skills : Ability to complete daily trackers and simple audit forms.
  • Communication Skills: Ability to give clear feedback to staff and communicate deviations or contamination findings. Spanish and English.
  • Interest in Waste Reduction: Genuine interest in recycling, composting, waste diversion, or environmental practices (no prior experience required).
  • Language: Basic English required; Spanish is a strong plus.

Job Requirement 

  • Bilingual: Spanish and English (mainly spoken).
  • Basic knowledge of Google Docs.
  • Experience operating both: Forklift and Pallet Jack

Apply