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Recycle Driver Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Roll Off Driver

Riverdale, IL · On-site

$22 - $34/hr

Driver is responsible for providing and servicing containers filled with refuse or recycle materials. Drivers will transport the material to disposal sites, transfer or recycle facilities from ...

Residential Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

The Residential Driver is responsible for servicing assigned route(s) with the collection and ... Provide waste or recycling removal services to customers on assigned route(s) by emptying trash ...

Driver

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$150 - $200/day

S Tire Recycling is the largest tire recycler in the Mid-West. We are a growing company and looking for Non-CDL D-Class drivers to grow with us. We offer local/regional runs with great pay and ...

Driver

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$150 - $200/day

CLASS D DRIVER - K & S Tire Recycling is the largest tire recycler in the Mid-West. We are a growing company and looking for Non-CDL D-Class drivers to grow with us. We offer local/regional runs with ...

Showing results 21-40

Recycle Driver information

See Illinois salary details

$14

$17

$18

How much do recycle driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Recycle Driver job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,685 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

$15 - $16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


SBM Management Services rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

203rd of 258 rated facilities management


Job description

Title:Recycle TechnicianJob Description:

Job Overview

The Recycle Technician will be responsible for the recycle, reuse, and reclamation, program.

Roles & Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully and safely, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Comply with safety rules, policies, and procedures

  • Stop at risk behavior of others and self

  • Perform work assignments in a team with other employees

  • Perform repetitive tasks

  • Maintain clean work area

  • Follow all company procedures, policies, and rules

  • Take direction and respond to supervision

  • Talk with lead, supervisor, co-workers, managers, and customers in a professional manner

  • Maintain logs and schedules

  • Support shift lead in completing punch-list items

  • Use proper personal protective equipment

  • Present a professional appearance and conduct

  • Understand customer service and satisfaction

  • Understand reporting systems and importance of the environment

  • Collect, salvage, and sort reusable or recycle materials or waste materials

  • Inspect and sort materials

  • Maintain dock and collection areas

  • Work with multiple collection containers

Qualification

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job safely. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Education and/ or Experience:High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or equivalent combination of training and experience - preferred

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: CPR/AED/First Aid certification a plus. May be required to have a valid driver's license. Completed all safety and task training certification. May be required to be forklift certified. May be required to have Hazardous Waste Handling Training per RCRA. Completed all safety and task training certifications

Knowledge, Ability, Skills:

Bilingual a plus

Ability to read and interpret instructions, procedures, manuals, and other documents.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Knowledge of cleaning methods, equipment, and willing to share with team.

Knowledge of the upkeep and care of the cleaning equipment.

Knowledge of cleaning compounds and chemicals, and their safe, efficient use.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or listen. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.

  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Compensation and Shift:

Sunday-Wednesday 7:00pm -5:30am

$15.00-$16.00 per hour

Benefits:

SBM offers comprehensive benefit packages. For information about SBM's benefits, please visit SBM's website at:

www.sbmmanagement.com/careers Careers - SBM

SBM Management Services, LP and its affiliates are proud to be equal opportunity workplaces. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, sex, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or other legally protected status.


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