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Recycle Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caltech (California)

Recycling Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$23 - $27.25/hr

Recycling employees work together as a team to collect approximately (70) 3 cubic yard bins on set ... Must possess a valid California Driver's license and maintain it throughout the course of ...

NORTHERN RECYCLING

Be Seen First

Spotter / Scale House Attendant

Woodland, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Coordinate with drivers to guide them to designated loading, unloading, or dumping areas based on their respective recycling needs. * Maintain constant awareness of vehicle movement to prevent ...

SA Recycling

Class B Driver

Montebello, CA

Scrap metal Recycling and shredder yard • Equipment & Tools: Trucks up to 18 wheeler, hydraulic ... Truck Driver Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste • Hand ...

SA Recycling

Class B Driver

Montebello, CA

$28/hr

Scrap metal Recycling and shredder yard • Equipment & Tools: Trucks up to 18 wheeler, hydraulic ... Truck Driver Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste • Hand ...

Lakin Tire West

CDL Driver

Livermore, CA · On-site

$27.75/hr

We collect and recycle more than 190 million tires into raw materials for smart, useful products that improve people's lives. : Lakin Tire is seeking a qualified Class A CDL driver who will work with ...

JOLLYS RECYCLING LLC

Class A CDL Driver

Temecula, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

... L driver for local routes. Home every night, steady work, and a fleet you'll be proud to drive ... Prior recycling center or scrap hauling experience * Bilingual (English/Spanish)

New

JOLLYS RECYCLING LLC

Class A CDL Driver

Temecula, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

... L driver for local routes. Home every night, steady work, and a fleet you'll be proud to drive ... Prior recycling center or scrap hauling experience * Bilingual (English/Spanish)

New

JOLLYS RECYCLING LLC

Class A CDL Driver

Temecula, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

... L driver for local routes. Home every night, steady work, and a fleet you'll be proud to drive ... Prior recycling center or scrap hauling experience * Bilingual (English/Spanish)

New

SA Recycling

Class B Driver

Montebello, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Scrap metal Recycling and shredder yard • Equipment & Tools: Trucks up to 18 wheeler, hydraulic ... Truck Driver Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste • Hand ...

SA Recycling

Class B Driver

Montebello, CA · On-site

Scrap metal Recycling and shredder yard • Equipment & Tools: Trucks up to 18 wheeler, hydraulic ... Truck Driver Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste • Hand ...

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Recycle Driver information

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$18

How much do recycle driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 is a recycle driver?

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 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.

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 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 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:

Recycle Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycle Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,343 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Recycling Associate

Caltech (California)

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$23 - $27.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
Under the direction of an assigned Custodial Supervisor and Recycling Lead, provides recycling support to the campus, student housing, and faculty housing and campus events. Recycling employees work together as a team to collect approximately (70) 3 cubic yard bins on set schedules. Responsible for sorting and processing recyclables collected from designated routes. Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the Campus Recycling Yard and preparing recyclables for pickup by various contractors. Represents and communicates with the campus community regarding Recycling programs.
Essential Job Duties
In coordination with another recycling crew member, collect and sort recyclable materials collected from various campus locations.
Job duties include:

  • Operating heavy equipment and performing custodial cleaning tasks during the recycling down-time (Two hours, 5:00am-7:00am, Monday - Friday) or during inclement weather conditions.
  • Collects, sorts, and process recyclables contents from recycling bins throughout campus, student housing, and faculty housing.
  • Moves 3 cubic yard bins and 50-gallon containers from collection sites by hand or using equipment when necessary.
  • Operate equipment such as forklifts, hydraulic lift-gate truck, scout/fork-truck, baler, and pallet jack/hand trucks to move recycling materials from various locations to a centralized campus recycling yard.
  • Sorts CRV beverages/containers, collects mixed paper/recyclables stream, breaks-down cardboard boxes, bales cardboard, sorts wooden pallets, and prepares bins containing recyclables for pick-up by various recycling contractors.
  • Cleans recycling yard by sweeping, raking, picking up broken glass or loose paper debris, and moving 3-cubic yard bins.
  • Records logs of recycled materials, reports performance of various recycling sites, and monitors program performance.
  • Maintains effective communication with Custodial Supervisors, recycling team, and campus students and staff participating in the recycling program.
  • Inspects recycling collection equipment and submits repair requests to Custodial Supervisor or recycling contractors.
  • Handles special recycling projects such as lab decommissioning, by collecting and recycling co-mingled metals, when needed.
  • Assists with routine custodial operations, such as floor sweeping and mopping, vacuuming carpets, restroom cleaning, and trash disposal during recycling operations down-time (5:00am-7:00am), or as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
  • At least one year of related work experience in reclamation, waste management, recycling operations, or warehouse operations.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Must possess a valid California Driver's license and maintain it throughout the course of employment. Must be eligible to drive Institute vehicles under the Institutes' Motor Vehicle Use policy and adhere to the policy.
  • Possess a forklift operator's certificate or be able to obtain one before employment begins and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
  • Adhere to safety protocols, including the proper use of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE),
  • Ability to work outdoors, in all-weather conditions, and assigned work schedule (5:00am-1:30pm, Monday-Friday).
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift, push, and pull 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
  • Ability to perform physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials
Required Documents
  • Resume

Hiring Range
$23.00 - $27.25 per hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

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