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Medical Waste Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medical Waste Specialist

Urbana, IL · On-site

$15.45 - $25.03/hr

Overview Responsible for the movement and disposal of medical waste, including potentially infectious waste as well as general waste, from various collection points until its final removal from the ...

OverviewResponsible for the movement and disposal of medical waste, including potentially infectious waste as well as general waste, from various collection points until its final removal from the ...

Medical Waste Specialist

Urbana, IL · On-site

$15.45 - $25.03/hr

Overview Responsible for the movement and disposal of medical waste, including potentially infectious waste as well as general waste, from various collection points until its final removal from the ...

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Medical Waste information

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$12

$19

$27

How much do medical waste jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical waste in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Medical Waste Technician, you need knowledge of hazardous material handling, safety regulations, and proper disposal methods, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with OSHA guidelines, personal protective equipment (PPE), and waste tracking systems is essential. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills for maintaining safety and compliance. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the safe, lawful, and environmentally responsible disposal of medical waste.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals handling medical waste, and how are they addressed within healthcare facilities?

Professionals working with medical waste often encounter challenges such as strict adherence to safety protocols, risk of exposure to hazardous materials, and the need for meticulous segregation of waste types. Healthcare facilities typically provide comprehensive training, personal protective equipment, and clear procedures to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Regular team meetings and supervision also help employees stay updated on best practices and address any concerns promptly, fostering a supportive and safety-focused work environment.

What are medical waste professionals?

Medical waste professionals are individuals responsible for the safe handling, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste generated by healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Their work ensures that hazardous materials like used needles, blood-soaked bandages, and other potentially infectious waste are managed in accordance with health and environmental regulations. By properly managing medical waste, these professionals help prevent the spread of infection, protect public health, and maintain environmental safety.

What is the difference between Medical Waste vs Medical Waste Technician?

AspectMedical WasteMedical Waste Technician
CertificationsNone required, but knowledge of waste regulations helpsHazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification often required
Work EnvironmentDisposal sites, healthcare facilities, waste collection areasHealthcare facilities, waste processing plants, disposal sites
Job RoleConcept or category of waste generated in medical settingsSpecializes in handling, transporting, and disposing of medical waste

Medical Waste refers to the waste generated from healthcare activities, while Medical Waste Technicians are professionals responsible for managing, transporting, and disposing of this waste safely. The technician role involves specific certifications and hands-on work in healthcare and waste management environments, making it a specialized job within the medical waste industry.

More about Medical Waste jobs
What cities are hiring for Medical Waste jobs? Cities with the most Medical Waste job openings:
What states have the most Medical Waste jobs? States with the most job openings for Medical Waste jobs include:
Infographic showing various Medical Waste job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,170 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Medical Waste Plant Associate

Medical Waste Plant Associate

Waste Management

Concord, NC • On-site

$17.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 635 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 78 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Stericycle is now part of WM. To learn more about WM's acquisition of Stericycle, CLICK HERE to read the press release.

Pay Rate:$17.96

Shift: Monday-Friday, 3:00pm to 11:30pm

Boot Allowance: $250

What is the value of a WM Job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career.

We Are Always Working For A Sustainable Tomorrow: Our mission is to leave the world a better place than we found it by helping its inhabitants find purpose in becoming its caretakers.

We Are People First: The members of the WM family are the foundation for our success. We foster an environment where all teammates feel welcomed, valued and seen.

We Are Committed to Your Growth: Your Tomorrow Education Assistance Program, paid on-the-job training, and established career progression.

We Are Stable: From the front line to the corporate offices, our team members perform essential and meaningful work.

We Are a Family: At WM we are over 60,000 people - from many places and many backgrounds, and it is our amazing differences that make us stronger.

We Are Investing in You: Amazing Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K with match, discounted stock options, dependent day care, and more!

Ready to roll with us? Click Apply to join the WM team today.


I. Job Summary
The Plant Associate will ensure all waste is unloaded from vehicles, the vehicles are decontaminated, and waste is properly staged for scanning and processing. The individual will perform the duties in a safe and productive manner. 
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 

  • Unload waste from incoming vehicles. Separates non-autoclavable waste to be incinerated
  • Stage waste on conveyor system or properly stack waste for scanning in the Biotrack system
  • Scan waste into the Biotrack system for proper recordkeeping purposes
  • Load autoclave bins or incinerator hopper with waste for processing
  • Place reusable containers on tub wash line for decontamination
  • Operates tub wash unit ensuring the wash unit is operating properly. Removes clean tubs from wash unit, inspects tubs and stacks for loading onto assigned vehicle for reuse
  • Operates tub wash sprayer for oversized reusable tubs ensuring the unit is operating properly. Inspects tubs and stacks for loading onto assigned vehicle for reuse
  • Decontaminates vehicles cargo-carrying portion, reloads assigned reusable tubs and ensures cargo-carrying portion of vehicle does not have free liquid on the floor. Informs plant supervisor the vehicle is ready to be moved from dock area
  • Ensures housekeeping issues, e.g., spills cleaned up, floor is dry, and debris not on floor, etc., are addressed immediately
  • Other duties and responsibilities, as assigned


III. Qualifications 
A. Required Qualifications 
 

  • 1 year of experience, preferably in plant environment
  • Ability to communicate effectively and understand and follow health and safety directives and performance and conduct standards, policies and procedures that apply to the role and location.


B. Preferred Qualifications 
 

  • Valid Driver's Licence


IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Standing
  • Lifting
  • Pushing
  • Pulling
  • Reaching
  • Grasping
  • Talking
  • Repetitive Motions
  • Walking
  • Hearing


Field: This job operates in both inside garage, shop or gas plant conditions as well as in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity.
This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing-including preemployment screening, postincident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing-in accordance with government regulations and company policies.
V. Benefits 
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. 

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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