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Recycle Driver Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Midwest Paper Retriever LLC

CDL Driver

Joliet, IL

$32 - $36/hr

Our drivers have over 80 years of experience to help teach you the safe and best practices for being a recycling driver in this growing industry. Drivers in these positions are responsible for ...

Midwest Paper Retriever LLC

CDL Driver

Joliet, IL · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Our drivers have over 80 years of experience to help teach you the safe and best practices for being a recycling driver in this growing industry. Drivers in these positions are responsible for ...

Midwest Paper Retriever LLC

CDL Driver

Joliet, IL · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Our drivers have over 80 years of experience to help teach you the safe and best practices for being a recycling driver in this growing industry. Drivers in these positions are responsible for ...

SBM Management Services LP

Recycle Technician

Crete, IL · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Recycle Technician Job Overview The Recycle Technician will be responsible for the recycle, reuse ... May be required to have a valid driver's license. Completed all safety and task training ...

SBM Management Services LP

Recycle Technician

Monee, IL · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Recycle Technician Job Overview The Recycle Technician will be responsible for the recycle, reuse ... May be required to have a valid driver's license. Completed all safety and task training ...

SBM Management Services LP

Recycle Technician

Monee, IL · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Recycle Technician Job Overview The Recycle Technician will be responsible for the recycle, reuse ... May be required to have a valid driver's license. Completed all safety and task training ...

SBM Management Services LP

Recycle Technician

Crete, IL · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Recycle Technician Job Overview The Recycle Technician will be responsible for the recycle, reuse ... May be required to have a valid driver's license. Completed all safety and task training ...

SBM Management Services LP

Recycle Technician

Monee, IL · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Recycle Technician Job Overview The Recycle Technician will be responsible for the recycle, reuse ... May be required to have a valid driver's license. Completed all safety and task training ...

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All JobsRecycle Driver JobsRecycle Driver Jobs in Illinois

Recycle Driver information

See Illinois salary details

$14

$17

$18

How much do recycle driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycle driver in Illinois is $17.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $17.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Recycle Driver jobs in Illinois? For Recycle Driver jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recycle Driver jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Recycle Driver jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Recycle Driver jobs in IL? For Recycle Driver jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Recycle Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycle Driver job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,685 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

CDL Driver

Midwest Paper Retriever LLC

Joliet, IL

$32 - $36/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description

 An environmental services company, a true "Green" job. We provide our own recovery facility for recyclable products. We have immediate openings for CDL Class B or A drivers. Experience in roll off and front load. Our drivers have over 80 years of experience to help teach you the safe and best practices for being a recycling driver in this growing industry. Drivers in these positions are responsible for collecting and removing waste/recyclable materials from residential, commercial, and industrial sites and transporting to our local company-owned recycling facilities and nearby energy recovery facilities. Interested drivers should be ready to work full-time. Company offers competitive wages, benefits, etc.

Requirements

  • Experience: Class A or Class B CDL driving: 2 years Waste experience (Required)
  • Minimum of 2 years of Roll off (Required)
  • Minimum of 2 years of Frontload (Required)
  • License: CDL Class A (preferred)
  • No Moving Violations in the Past: 3 years (Preferred)

Other position requirements include:

  • Minimum of 23 years of age
  • Ability to drive and licensed for standard (manual) and automatic transmission
  • Clean MVR
  • Current DOT card helpful
  • Operating/maintaining vehicles safely and productively according to all federal, state, local, company, DOT and OSHA regulations and standards
  • Completing required paperwork daily
  • Participation in required meetings
  • Ability to interact with customers, the public and company personnel in a courteous/very customer service friendly manner
  • Lifting, bending, climbing and physical labor
  • Front-end loader and universal lift or cable experience  

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