1

Garbage Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY: A Driver- CDL (B) is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and providing prompt, courteous and complete waste removal services for customers. In addition, a Driver ...

POSITION SUMMARY: A Driver- CDL (B) is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and providing prompt, courteous and complete waste removal services for customers. In addition, a Driver ...

CDL Driver

Elgin, IL · On-site

$31.13/hr

In this position you will be operating a garbage truck on a specified route. * This is a position requiring regular heavy lifting and climbing in and out of the truck. * This position will be ...

CDL Driver

Elgin, IL · On-site

$31.13/hr

In this position you will be operating a garbage truck on a specified route. * This is a position requiring regular heavy lifting and climbing in and out of the truck. * This position will be ...

In this position you will be operating a garbage truck on a specified route. * This is a position requiring regular heavy lifting and climbing in and out of the truck. * This position will be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Garbage information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$16

$30

How much do garbage jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage in Chicago, IL is $16.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $15.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by garbage collectors and how can they be managed effectively?

Garbage collectors often work early hours and in various weather conditions, which can be physically demanding. They may encounter hazardous materials or heavy loads, requiring proper safety gear and adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication with team members and staying organized helps ensure routes are completed efficiently and safely. Many organizations provide regular training to help collectors manage these challenges and maintain a healthy work environment.

How do you get a job as a garbage collector?

To become a garbage collector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. Employment often involves passing a physical exam, background check, and training on safety procedures and waste collection equipment. Job openings are usually posted by local government or waste management companies, and experience with driving large vehicles can be beneficial.

What is the difference between Garbage vs Waste Management Worker?

AspectGarbageWaste Management Worker
CredentialsNo formal certification requiredTypically requires OSHA training and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentResidential and commercial trash collectionCollection, transportation, and disposal of waste
Industry UsageCommonly used in everyday languageIndustry-specific job title

Garbage refers to household or commercial waste, often used informally. Waste Management Worker is a formal job title for professionals involved in collecting and managing waste. While both deal with waste, Waste Management Worker implies a specific role with industry standards and certifications, whereas garbage is a general term for waste material.

What are different types of jobs that work with garbage?

People that work with garbage may work at a waste management or recycling facility, a garbage disposal service, or a municipal job. Common duties are to collect trash and recycling and transport it to a trash facility or landfill. Waste removal work is typically divided between drivers, technicians, operations managers, and administrative positions, such as customer support, sales, and compliance specialists. They ensure that garbage disposal protocols follow all municipal, state, and federal health and safety requirements.

What is a garbage collector?

Garbage collectors, also known as sanitation workers or refuse collectors, are responsible for collecting waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and public areas. They load trash into garbage trucks and transport it to landfills, recycling centers, or waste treatment facilities. Their work helps keep communities clean, prevents the spread of disease, and supports environmental sustainability. Garbage collectors must follow safety guidelines and often work early hours or in all weather conditions.

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

To thrive as a Garbage Collector, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, hydraulic lift systems, and safety protocols is typically necessary. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are standout soft skills for this position. These skills ensure efficient waste collection, personal safety, and effective collaboration, which are vital for maintaining public health and cleanliness.

What are the most commonly searched types of Garbage jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Garbage jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Garbage jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Garbage jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Garbage jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Garbage jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Garbage job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,978 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Garbage Truck Driver- Days

Republic Services

Chicago, IL • On-site

$30.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Republic Services rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 575 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: A Driver- CDL (B) is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and providing prompt, courteous and complete waste removal services for customers. In addition, a Driver - CDL (B) is responsible for ensuring his or her vehicle is in compliance with the Company's safety standards prior to operating the vehicle, ensures that all Company, state and federal regulations are adhered to at all times while operating the vehicle, and completes vehicle condition reports ("VCRs") on a daily basis to ensure that any vehicle defects are repaired in a timely manner.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform complete pre- and post-operation inspection of the vehicle in accordance with Company policy to ensure tire pressure, fluid levels, safety equipment, gauges, and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard reports.
  • Safely operate his or her heavy truck along his or her designated route and to the disposal site; read route sheet, follow map and service each customer as identified on the route sheet or as assigned by the dispatcher and/or supervisor.
  • Operate manual and/or automatic controls in accordance with Company safety policies and procedures to lift and load refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.
  • Courteously interact with all customers, dispatchers and others on a daily basis to ensure all customer routes are serviced in a timely and professional manner.
  • Identify unsatisfactory waste containers and tag containers in accordance with applicable departmental procedures.
  • Continuously monitor waste for evidence of unacceptable waste.
  • Clean area around an accidental waste spill, ensuring adherence to all applicable safety standards and policies.
  • Continuously monitor the condition of the vehicle to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean waste from the packer blade and truck body (where appropriate) on each disposal trip.
  • Complete required route/productivity sheets, VCRs and other reports, as required.
  • Maintain adherence to required productivity standards for the department to ensure all customers are serviced in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
  • Actively participate in the Company's ReSOP program.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
  • Good customer services skills to meet and exceed customer expectations; acts in a professional, courteous and cooperative manner toward customers and co-workers; works with a sense of honesty and trustworthiness.
  • Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner.
  • Good follow through ability; adheres to work schedule and follows through on challenges as they arise.
  • Ability to adhere to Company policies and rules set forth; promotes the Company's safety standards; does not take inappropriate risks.
  • Maintains a feeling of pride in work; strives to achieve all goals.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Class B or higher Commercial Driver's license with air brakes endorsement.

$30.80 per hour

3 am start time

Bonus Plan Details (if applicable):

Rewarding Compensation and Benefits

Eligible employees can elect to participate in:
Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage.
Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
Short- and long-term disability.
Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
Employee discount programs.
401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Benefits https://jobs.republicservices.com/us/en/about-us/benefits

The statements used herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an employee in this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by an incumbent so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

EEO STATEMENT:Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. For any concerns relating to Republic Services' commitment to equal opportunity employment, you may contact the AWARE Line at 1-866-3-AWARE-4.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) is a leader in the environmental services industry. We provide customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services.Our industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on our vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world.


In 2025, Republic's total company revenue was $16.6 billion, and adjusted EBITDA was $5.3 billion. We serve 13 million customers and operate more than 1,000 locations, including collection and transfer stations, recycling and polymer centers, treatment facilities, and landfills.


Although we operate across North America, the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of materials is a local business, and the dynamics and opportunities differ in each market we serve. By combining local operational management with standardized business practices, we drive greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational decisions at the local level, closest to the customer.


Our customers, including small businesses, major corporations and municipalities, want a partner with the expertise and capabilities to effectively manage their multiple recycling and waste streams. They choose Republic Services because we are committed to exceeding their expectations and helping them achieve their sustainability goals. Our 42,000 team members understand that it's not just what we do that matters, but how we do it.


Our company values guide our daily actions:

  • Safe: We protect the livelihoods of our colleagues and communities.
  • Committed to Serve: We go above and beyond to exceed our customers' expectations.
  • Environmentally Responsible:We take action to improve our environment.
  • Driven: We deliver results in the right way.
  • Human-Centered:We respect the dignity and unique potential of every person.

We are proud of our high employee engagement score of 86. We have an inclusive and diverse culture where every voice counts. In addition, our team positively impacted 5.1 million people in 2024 through the Republic Services Charitable Foundation and local community grants. These projects are designed to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve, with a focus on building sustainable neighborhoods.


STRATEGY

Republic Services' strategy is designed to generate profitable growth. Through acquisitions and industry advancements, we safely and sustainably manage our customers' multiple waste streams through a North American footprint of vertically integrated assets.

We focus on three areas of growth to meet the increasing needs of our customers: recycling and waste, environmental solutions and sustainability innovation.

With our integrated approach, strengthening our position in one area advances other areas of our business. For example, as we grow volume in recycling and waste, we collect additional material to bolster our circularity capabilities. And as we expand environmental solutions, we drive additional opportunities to provide these services to our existing recycling and waste customers.


Recycling and Waste

We continue to expand our recycling and waste business footprint throughout North America through organic growth and targeted acquisitions. The 13 million customers we serve and our more than 5 million pick-ups per day provide us with a distinct advantage. We aggregate materials at scale, unlocking new opportunities for advanced recycling. In addition, we are cross-selling new products and services to better meet our customers' specific needs.


Environmental Solutions

Our comprehensive environmental solutions capabilities help customers safely manage their most technical waste streams. We are expanding both our capabilities and our geographic footprint. We see strong growth opportunities for our offerings, including PFAS remediation, an increasing customer need.


Sustainability Innovation

Republic's recent innovations to advance circularity and decarbonization demonstrate our unique ability to leverage sustainability as a platform for growth.


The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility. These innovative sites process rigid plastics from our recycling centers, producing recycled materials that promote true bottle-to-bottle circularity. We also formed Blue Polymers, a joint venture with Ravago, to develop facilities that will further process plastic material from our Polymer Centers to help meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. We are building a network of Polymer Centers and Blue Polymer facilities across North America.


Our customers are increasingly looking for decarbonization solutions, and we are leveraging our network of landfills to meet that need. Republic is committed to harnessing landfill gas, a natural byproduct of decomposing waste, and converting it to energy. Republic has partnered with renewable gas developers to construct Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) plants at our landfills, expanding beyond the 77 projects we currently have to make progress towards our goal to beneficially reuse 50% more biogas by 2030 (2017 baseline year).


RECENT RECOGNITION

  • Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies
  • CDP Discloser
  • Dow Jones Best-In-Class Indices
  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies
  • Fortune World's Most Admired Companies
  • Great Place to Work
  • Sustainability Yearbook S&P Global


What Republic Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom