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Recycle Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and ...

Curbside Recycling Driver

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$34.35 - $37.78/hr

Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and ...

Curbside Recycling Driver

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$34.35 - $37.78/hr

Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and ...

Curbside Recycling Driver

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$34.35 - $37.78/hr

Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and ...

Be Seen First

Driver Responsibilities · Complete and maintain all transportation, shipping, recycling, and customer documentation accurately and timely. · Conduct routine vehicle safety inspections and report ...

SA Recycling has multiple openings for experienced Class A truck drivers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Our drivers are the face of the Company and safely transport metals for recycling from ...

Roll-off Driver

El Monte, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

SA Recycling has multiple openings for experienced Class A truck drivers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Our drivers are the face of the Company and safely transport metals for recycling from ...

SA Recycling has an opening for an experienced Class A driver . Also Our drivers will operate both tractor trailers and straight trucks hauling 53-foot vans and containers, roll on/off containers ...

SA Recycling has an opening for an experienced Class A driver . Also Our drivers will operate both tractor trailers and straight trucks hauling 53-foot vans and containers, roll on/off containers ...

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Recycle Driver information

See California salary details

$14

$17

$18

How much do recycle driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycle driver in California is $17.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What company in Texas is paying truckers $14000 a week?

As a recycle driver, earning $14,000 a week is highly unusual and likely not representative of typical pay rates. Most recycling truck drivers earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and location. High earnings may be associated with specialized roles, overtime, or company bonuses, but such figures are uncommon in the industry.

What is the difference between Recycle Driver vs Waste Collection Driver?

AspectRecycle DriverWaste Collection Driver
CredentialsValid driver’s license, commercial driving license (CDL) often preferredValid driver’s license, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial, and industrial areas focusing on recyclingResidential and commercial waste pickup areas
Industry UsageRecycling companies, municipal recycling programsWaste management companies, municipal waste services

Recycle Drivers and Waste Collection Drivers both operate trucks and require valid driver’s licenses. Recycle Drivers focus on collecting recyclable materials, often working in recycling centers or programs, while Waste Collection Drivers handle general waste. Both roles are essential in waste management, but their specific duties and target materials differ.

What are recycle drivers?

Recycle drivers are professionals responsible for collecting recyclable materials from homes, businesses, and public locations and transporting them to recycling facilities. They operate specialized trucks designed for hauling recyclables such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass. In addition to driving, recycle drivers often perform tasks like sorting materials, ensuring loads are secure, and maintaining records of collection routes. Their work plays a crucial role in supporting community recycling programs and promoting environmental sustainability.

What are some common challenges faced by Recycle Drivers, and how can they be managed?

Recycle Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight urban streets, managing heavy or awkward loads, and adhering to strict collection schedules. Weather conditions and unexpected route changes can also add complexity to the job. To manage these challenges, drivers rely on strong route planning skills, attention to safety procedures, and effective communication with dispatchers and team members. Many companies provide ongoing training and support to help drivers adapt and work efficiently in various environments.

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

To thrive as a Recycle Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), knowledge of safe driving practices, and understanding of local recycling regulations. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, GPS navigation, and route management software is typically required. Reliability, strong customer service skills, and attention to detail help drivers maintain schedules and interact positively with the community. These skills ensure safe, efficient collection of recyclables and contribute to environmental sustainability and customer satisfaction.

How can I get paid to recycle?

Recycle drivers are paid by waste management companies or recycling centers for collecting and transporting recyclable materials. Compensation is typically based on hourly wages or route-based pay, and the job may require a valid driver's license and knowledge of safety procedures.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

Recycling truck drivers can earn around $3,000 a day in some cases, especially with overtime, high-demand routes, or in regions with higher pay rates. Typically, such earnings are associated with experienced drivers working long hours, often with specialized equipment or certifications. Most jobs with this level of daily income are in high-responsibility roles or require significant experience and skills.

Is there a demand for garbage truck drivers?

Recycle driver positions, including garbage truck drivers, are in steady demand due to ongoing waste management needs. The job typically requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) and involves operating large trucks in urban and rural environments, with employment opportunities often increasing as cities expand and prioritize sanitation services.
What are popular job titles related to Recycle Driver jobs in California? For Recycle Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recycle Driver jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Recycle Driver jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Recycle Driver jobs? Cities in California with the most Recycle Driver job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Recycle Driver jobs in CA? For Recycle Driver jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Recycle Driver job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,343 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
Curbside Recycling Driver

Curbside Recycling Driver

Ecology Center

Berkeley, CA

$34.35 - $37.78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Department: Recycling
Reporting To: Recycling Program Manager
Location: Berkeley CA
FLSA Status: Full-time, Non- Exempt, Hourly
This is a Union Position  
The Ecology Center

The Ecology Center's mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. The Ecology Center transforms the ideas of sustainability into everyday practice. We offer information you can act on, infrastructure you can count on, and leadership for lasting change. We are working toward a world of resilient communities, zero waste and toxics, equal access to healthy food, sustainable resource use, and a safe and stable climate.

Founded in the run-up to the first Earth Day in 1970, the Ecology Center has been a regional and national leader on a wide range of issues, turning vision into action and cementing it with advocacy. We operate the nation's first and longest running curbside recycling service, a nationally recognized food and farming programs, model education and engagement activities, and the EcoStore which provides products that encourage environmentally and socially responsible lifestyle practices.

We are a committed, congenial, and diverse staff dedicated to making the world a better place through action. Every employee is integral to the success of our organization. We value vision, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. If you are passionate and qualified, we encourage you to apply to be part of our team.

Program Description

The Ecology Center has operated Berkeley's Curbside Recycling Program since 1973! We were among the very first recycling programs in the US, and we continue to push toward our goals of Zero Waste and natural resource conservation.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and pull bins weighing 35 to 125+ pounds. Bending, stooping and lifting from ground level are required constantly. Driver is required to operate a commercial vehicle through challenging residential neighborhoods. Driver must mount and dismount the vehicle for each stop by ascending or descending a step of 21 inch height. Driver is responsible for the inspection, minor adjustment, fueling and cleaning of their collection vehicle and ensuring all environmental controls are followed. Driver must maintain a professional and courteous demeanor with the public and employer. Finally driver is responsible for maintaining daily reports and logs. This role is a union position and will be subject to union membership agreement terms

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Arrive on time in uniform, sufficiently rested and prepared for shift start.
  • Perform a qualified pre-trip inspection of their service vehicle.
  • Compile route instructions, and carry out collection duties as assigned.
  • Collect all assigned recycling set outs, including exemption customers with special needs.
  • Provide customer education materials and complete service exception forms as needed throughout workday.
  • Refuel vehicle.
  • Return to yard and offload vehicle.
  • Perform a post-trip inspection of vehicle at end of shift.
  • Complete DVIR and turn in all associated route collection materials & paperwork.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Commercial Class A or B with Air Brakes Endorsement.
  • Clean driving record.
  • Clean FMCSA clearinghouse report
  • Valid medical certification.
  • Ability to pass a rigorous pre-employment physical fitness evaluation and 5-panel drug screen.
  • Background Screening
Preferred Qualifications:

2 Years of commercial driving experience.

Hours

This is a Full-time non-bid union position with 40 hrs per week, Monday through Friday.

Wage

Wage starts at $34.35 to $37.78 per hour. This position is benefits-eligible once qualifying hours have been met. 

Available Benefits on the Job (post completion of probation period): Medical and dental insurance, dependent medical coverage , optional vision insurance, generous vacation, sick and holiday leave, employer-matched 401k plan, Employee Assistance Program and AD&D

Open until filled. (Please note that this position posting may close at any time.)

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

We value diversity. People of color, LGBTQIA-identified people, women, veterans, people with disabilities, victims of violence and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.