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Hazardous Waste Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hazardous Waste Technician

Portland, OR

$23.25 - $28.25/hr

Role Under limited supervision, performs waste inspection to ensure hazardous waste compliance. Demonstrates understanding of a wide range of hazardous waste processes and procedures, including ...

Hazardous Waste Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.25 - $28.25/hr

Role Under limited supervision, performs waste inspection to ensure hazardous waste compliance. Demonstrates understanding of a wide range of hazardous waste processes and procedures, including ...

Hazardous Waste Technician

Clearfield, UT · On-site

$20.75 - $25/hr

Conduct both visual and documented inspections of all containers at Waste Facility * Take samples ... Basic understanding of hazardous materials and SDS (Safety Data Sheets). * Must have or be able to ...

Purpose We are seeking a Hazardous Waste Technician to join our EHS team. This role will play a ... Conduct occupational safety inspections and interventions utilizing safety inspection software in ...

Hazardous Waste Technician

Benicia, CA

$25.75 - $31.25/hr

The Hazardous Waste Technician is responsible for the performance of tasks associated with the ... Perform required treatment, storage, and disposal facility inspections to ensure State/Federal ...

Hazardous Waste Technician

Clearfield, UT · On-site

$20.75 - $25/hr

Conduct both visual and documented inspections of all containers at Waste Facility * Take samples ... Basic understanding of hazardous materials and SDS (Safety Data Sheets). * Must have or be able to ...

Hazardous Waste Technician

Benicia, CA

$25.75 - $31.25/hr

The Hazardous Waste Technician is responsible for the performance of tasks associated with the ... Perform required treatment, storage, and disposal facility inspections to ensure State/Federal ...

Job Title Hazardous Waste Technician Summary This position will be responsible for assisting with ... Perform regular Safety and Environmental inspections to support EPA, OSHA and BAAQMD requirements.

Purpose We are seeking a Hazardous Waste Technician to join our EHS team. This role will play a ... Conduct occupational safety inspections and interventions utilizing safety inspection software in ...

Job Title Hazardous Waste Technician Summary This position will be responsible for assisting with ... Perform regular Safety and Environmental inspections to support EPA, OSHA and BAAQMD requirements.

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Hazardous Waste Inspector information

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How much do hazardous waste inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for hazardous waste inspector in the United States is $28.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Hazardous Waste Inspectors during site inspections?

Hazardous Waste Inspectors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements and ensuring facilities are compliant with both federal and state laws. They may also face difficult site conditions, including exposure to potentially dangerous substances, which requires strict adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, inspectors must effectively communicate findings to facility operators, sometimes handling resistance or misunderstandings regarding regulations. Strong attention to detail and the ability to adapt quickly to changing site environments are essential in overcoming these challenges.

What's the highest paying job in waste management?

In waste management, hazardous waste management director or senior environmental manager roles tend to be the highest paying, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, certifications such as the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), and oversight of compliance and safety protocols.

What are Hazardous Waste Inspectors?

Hazardous Waste Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that businesses and facilities comply with laws and regulations regarding the storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste. They conduct inspections, review permits, investigate complaints, and may collect samples for laboratory analysis. Their work helps protect public health and the environment by preventing pollution and ensuring safe waste management practices.

How to get a RCRA certification?

Hazardous Waste Inspectors can obtain RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) certification by completing EPA-approved training courses that cover hazardous waste regulations and management. After training, candidates must pass a certification exam to demonstrate their knowledge of RCRA requirements and proper waste handling procedures.

What is the difference between Hazardous Waste Inspector vs Environmental Technician?

AspectHazardous Waste InspectorEnvironmental Technician
CertificationsHAZWOPER certification often requiredMay also require HAZWOPER, depending on duties
Work EnvironmentInspecting waste sites, compliance checks, fieldworkSampling, data collection, environmental testing
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental agencies, waste management companiesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies

Hazardous Waste Inspectors and Environmental Technicians both work in environmental fields, often requiring HAZWOPER certification. Inspectors focus on compliance and site inspections, while Technicians handle sampling and testing. Both roles are vital in environmental protection but differ in daily tasks and responsibilities.

Do you need a degree to be a safety inspector?

For a hazardous waste inspector, a degree is often preferred but not always required; relevant experience, knowledge of environmental regulations, and certifications such as OSHA or EPA training can also be important. Some positions may require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, or a related field, while others may accept equivalent work experience. Certification and training are key components of qualifying for the role.

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

To thrive as a Hazardous Waste Inspector, you need a background in environmental science or chemistry, knowledge of hazardous materials regulations, and typically a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with environmental monitoring equipment, data analysis software, and regulatory databases is routinely required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure compliance with safety laws, protect public health, and help prevent environmental contamination.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

Among hazardous waste inspectors, those with advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or supervisory roles tend to earn higher salaries. Environmental managers or senior inspectors overseeing compliance and safety often have the highest pay within this field. Experience and working in high-risk or regulated industries can also increase earning potential.
More about Hazardous Waste Inspector jobs
What states have the most Hazardous Waste Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Hazardous Waste Inspector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hazardous Waste Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,493 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Hazardous Waste Technician

Hazardous Waste Technician

Recology

Portland, OR

$23.25 - $28.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Recology rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 71 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Role

Under limited supervision, performs waste inspection to ensure hazardous waste compliance. Demonstrates understanding of a wide range of hazardous waste processes and procedures, including emergency situations, hospital loads, testing, categorizing, removal of hazardous material from the waste stream and storing of all hazardous waste, assisting H2W, processing oil, antifreeze, and batteries.

Shift will be Wednesday-Sunday, 8am-5pm.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Performs waste inspection to ensure hazardous waste compliance. Demonstrates understanding of a wide range of hazardous waste processes and procedures, including emergency situations, hospital loads, testing, categorizing, removal of hazardous material from the waste stream and storing of all hazardous waste, assisting H2W, processing oil, antifreeze, and batteries.
  • Provides reports on the amount of waste-oil, anti-freeze and car batteries that accumulate in the temporary storage bins. Transfers to appropriate storage area daily on an as-needed basis.
  • Answers a range of questions from customers, other employees, and Hazardous Materials Technicians about identifying and properly disposing varying types of hazardous waste.
  • Starts Emergency Response Team (ERT) standard operating procedure and stays within the confines of all written/applicable safety rules and procedures for each type of incident response.
  • Reviews all required paperwork (i.e., load inspection forms, Site Incident log).
  • Manages inventory and the contents of the Hazardous Material skids, including pressure cylinders, by transferring to the hazardous waste facility.
  • Provides operations support as needed.
  • Must be able to wear a full-face respirator and class "C" PPE.

  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Three years related compliance experience, including 40-hour hazardous waste certification, and 8 hours of additional training in the hazardous waste facility.
  • Principles and practices of job site safety, potential job hazards, and state and local regulations, including working knowledge of regulation and procedures and/or company services.
  • Basic Computer programs.
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.

Recology Offers
  • An ecologically innovative company that finds and mentors people committed to protecting the environment and sustaining our communities.
  • The largest employee-owned resource recovery company in the industry with terrific benefits to help you prosper.
  • A creative and caring culture that values community, diversity, altruism, accountability, collaboration, and learning by doing.
  • An inspired company mission driven to use and return resources to their best and highest use through the practice of the 4R's: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, and Recologize.
  • Distinct professional challenges to connect with, care for, and grow community that sees a world without waste.
Recology Benefits May Include
  • Paid time off and paid holidays.
  • Health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Retirement plans (Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with match).
  • Annual wellness incentives.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Educational assistance.
  • Commuting benefits.
  • Employee referral program.
Supplemental Information

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job; and pursuant to applicable law, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal records. It is important that you provide accurate information on the job application, inaccurate information may cause delays in the processing of your application and/or may disqualify you as a candidate.

Recology is an equal opportunity employer committed to supporting an inclusive work environment where employees are valued, heard, and provided development opportunities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis that is prohibited by law.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job.

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

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