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Hazardous Waste Cleanup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Construction Manager

Jackson, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

This role requires strong field leadership, experience in hazardous waste cleanup oversight, and a thorough understanding of California construction regulations and safety requirements. The ideal ...

Construction Manager

Lawrenceville, NJ · On-site +1

$100K - $130K/yr

This role requires strong field leadership, experience in hazardous waste cleanup oversight, and a thorough understanding of New Jersey construction regulations and safety requirements. The ideal ...

HazMat Tech

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Join a leading company in hazardous waste management, dedicated to maintaining a safe and sustainable environment. As an HazMat Technician, you will play a crucial role in the cleanup and disposal of ...

Operator

Bossier City, LA

$16 - $21/hr

... and non-hazardous waste cleanup. The operator will need to perform the day-to-day check-ups and maintenance to keep equipment running smooth and efficiently. The operator must know how to ...

Operator

Mobile, AL

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

... and non-hazardous waste cleanup. The operator will need to perform the day-to-day check-ups and maintenance to keep equipment running smooth and efficiently. The operator must know how to ...

Operator

Mobile, AL

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

... and non-hazardous waste cleanup. The operator will need to perform the day-to-day check-ups and maintenance to keep equipment running smooth and efficiently. The operator must know how to ...

Operator

Tuscaloosa, AL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

... and non-hazardous waste cleanup. The operator will need to perform the day-to-day check-ups and maintenance to keep equipment running smooth and efficiently. The operator must know how to ...

Operator

Tuscaloosa, AL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

... and non-hazardous waste cleanup. The operator will need to perform the day-to-day check-ups and maintenance to keep equipment running smooth and efficiently. The operator must know how to ...

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Hazardous Waste Cleanup information

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$10

$23

$38

How much do hazardous waste cleanup jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for hazardous waste cleanup in the United States is $23.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do hazardous material removal workers make?

Hazardous waste cleanup workers typically earn a median annual wage of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Experienced workers with specialized training and certifications can earn higher wages, especially when working in hazardous or remote environments.

How to become a hazardous waste technician?

To become a hazardous waste technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in hazardous materials handling and safety procedures. Certification such as the OSHA HAZWOPER certification is often required, and on-the-job training is common to develop skills in waste identification, containment, and cleanup procedures.

How to become a hazardous waste cleaner?

To become a hazardous waste cleaner, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in hazardous materials handling and safety procedures. Certification such as OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification is often required, and workers must follow strict safety protocols while working in contaminated environments. Experience with safety equipment and environmental regulations is also beneficial.

What's the highest paying job in waste management?

In waste management, hazardous waste cleanup supervisors and environmental managers tend to have the highest salaries, often earning six-figure incomes due to their expertise, certifications, and responsibility for safety and compliance. These roles typically require specialized training, certifications such as HAZWOPER, and experience in handling hazardous materials.

What is hazardous waste cleanup?

Hazardous waste cleanup involves the identification, removal, treatment, and disposal of materials that pose a risk to human health or the environment due to their toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive properties. Professionals in this field follow strict safety protocols and regulations to ensure hazardous substances are handled and disposed of properly, often working at contaminated sites such as factories, landfills, or accident scenes. The goal is to eliminate or reduce the hazards posed by these wastes, making the area safe for people and wildlife.

What is the difference between Hazardous Waste Cleanup vs Hazardous Materials Technician?

AspectHazardous Waste CleanupHazardous Materials Technician
CertificationsOSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour, Hazmat certificationsOSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour, Hazmat certifications
Work EnvironmentContaminated sites, cleanup operations, environmental remediationHandling, packaging, and transporting hazardous materials
Industry UsageEnvironmental cleanup, waste disposal companiesEmergency response teams, industrial facilities

Both roles require similar certifications and often operate in hazardous environments. Hazardous Waste Cleanup focuses on cleaning contaminated sites and environmental remediation, while Hazardous Materials Technicians handle the handling, packaging, and transportation of hazardous substances. While their tasks differ, both roles are vital in managing hazardous materials safely and often overlap in certification requirements and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced in hazardous waste cleanup roles, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Hazardous waste cleanup professionals often face challenges such as exposure to dangerous chemicals, strict regulatory compliance, and the need for specialized protective equipment. To address these, teams follow rigorous safety protocols, receive ongoing training on the latest regulations, and use advanced personal protective gear. Collaboration with environmental scientists, engineers, and regulatory agencies is common to ensure proper containment and disposal, making teamwork and clear communication essential skills in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hazardous Waste Cleanup Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hazardous Waste Cleanup Technician, you typically need knowledge of hazardous materials handling, safety regulations, and physical stamina, often supported by a high school diploma and HAZWOPER certification. Familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination procedures, and waste tracking systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant cleanup operations, protecting both workers and the environment.
More about Hazardous Waste Cleanup jobs
What cities are hiring for Hazardous Waste Cleanup jobs? Cities with the most Hazardous Waste Cleanup job openings:
What states have the most Hazardous Waste Cleanup jobs? States with the most job openings for Hazardous Waste Cleanup jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hazardous Waste Cleanup job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,408 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Hazardous Waste & Facility Assistant

Hazardous Waste & Facility Assistant

SMS Staffing

North Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Hiring immediately for a skilled Hazardous Waste & Facility Assistant in North Chicago, IL!

 

Job Title: Hazardous Waste & Facility Assistant

Job Location: North Chicago, IL

Job Type: Temp to Hire

Pay: Starting at $18/hour (depending on experience)

1st Shift | 7:00 am - 3:30 pm | Monday - Friday

Role Overview

Looking for a hands-on role with steady hours, a team environment and opportunities to grow?
We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Hazardous Waste & Facility Assistant to support facility operations, material handling, and waste management activities in a fast-paced industrial environment. 

About the Hazardous Waste & Facility Assistant Role: 

  • Handle and move hazardous/non-hazardous materials safely
  • Assist with facility cleanup and general labor tasks
  • Operate forklifts and equipment 
  • Maintain safety and compliance standards
  • Assist in sampling each processed stormwater sample point.
  • Perform data entry of sample records, hazardous waste records, etc.
  • Complete maintenance daily job tasks that include PIT inspections, parking lot cleanup, and vegetation removal from lots.
  • Responsible for collecting empty cans/containers from various areas, keeping track of what is collected, and processing them in the can crusher. 

About You: The ideal candidate for the Hazardous Waste & Facility Assistant will have the following skills and experience:

  • Basic Math skills.
  • High School Diploma 
  • Forklift experience preferred
  • Ability to learn and conduct testing on local wastewater categorical effluent limits and processed stormwater based on standard regulations 
  • Must have good written/verbal communication skills as well as general PC knowledge
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license

Special Circumstances of the Job: 

  • Basic understanding of how wastes (hazardous/non-hazardous) are classified, labeled, and managed. 
  • The ability to operate power/hand tools as well as a pressure washer. 
  • Must be able to wear safety equipment (respirator, gloves, chemical suit, boots, goggles, face shield, steel-toe work boots, etc.). 
  • This position will require outdoor work at times during inclement weather. 
  • It will also require, at times, heavy lifting, climbing, stooping, and standing for long periods of time. 
  • This position involves safety-sensitive functions.
  • The aptitude to complete both a written and a driving forklift test

Join the SMS team! It takes more than top-notch facilities, modern equipment, and innovative technologies to become our customers’ most trusted supplier. It takes people who are committed to our customers’ success and who are willing to go the extra mile to get the job done right.


#SMS


 

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