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Recycle Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Recycle Tech

Livonia, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

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

Recycle Tech

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Recycle Tech Job Overview The GMP Recycle Technician is responsible for the recycle, reuse, and ... CPR/AED/First Aid certification a plus May be required to have a valid driver's license Completed ...

Recycle Tech Job Overview The GMP Recycle Technician is responsible for the recycle, reuse, and ... CPR/AED/First Aid certification a plus May be required to have a valid driver's license Completed ...

Recycle Tech

Livonia, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

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

Recycle Tech

Livonia, MI

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

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

Recycle Tech

Livonia, MI

$15.50 - $16.50/hr

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

GMP Recycle Tech

Tipp City, OH · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Title: GMP Recycle Tech Job Overview The GMP Recycle Technician is responsible for the recycle ... CPR/AED/First Aid certification a plus May be required to have a valid driver's license Completed ...

GMP Recycle Tech

Tipp City, OH · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Title: GMP Recycle Tech Job Overview The GMP Recycle Technician is responsible for the recycle ... CPR/AED/First Aid certification a plus May be required to have a valid driver's license Completed ...

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Recycle Driver information

See salary details

$15

$17

$19

How much do recycle driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycle driver in the United States is $17.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $18.51 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.
More about Recycle Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Recycle Driver jobs? Cities with the most Recycle Driver job openings:
What states have the most Recycle Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Recycle Driver jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Recycle Driver jobs? For Recycle Driver jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Recycle Driver job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,826 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

Recycling Drivers are responsible for servicing assigned route(s) with the collection and hauling of acceptable recycling materials to a recycling plant. This position routinely requires extensive physical exertion (lifting, pushing, and pulling recycling receptacles weighing up to 75 pounds each from the ground approximately 300-500 times per day) and entering/exiting the truck approximately 300-800 times per day. The hours and physical demand may vary by route or area.

Responsibilities of Position:

  • Operate truck in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies
  • Provide recycling removal services to customers on assigned route(s) by emptying recycling receptacles into truck and hauling to recycling plant
  • Replace recycling receptacles neatly at the curb or designated area
  • Clean up spills and overflows
  • Maintain and update route sheets and maps
  • Conduct pre-trip/post trip inspections and complete DVIR logs
  • Maintain and update drivers log sheets
  • Professionally interact with internal and external customers
  • Maintain a clean truck
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • This position will not manage employees

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

  • Ability to read and understand a map
  • Ability to enter/exit truck approximately 300-800 times per day
  • Excellent truck driving/maneuvering skills
  • General knowledge of mechanics of trucks
  • Good written and verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers
  • Must be able to read and speak the English language well enough to communicate, understand, and respond to questions, directions, traffic signs, signals, and safety training

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

  • Previous CDL truck driving experience preferred
  • Waste or recycling industry experience, a plus

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:

  • Continuously lifting/carrying a max of 35 lbs
  • Frequently lifting/carrying a max of 50 lbs
  • Rarely lifting/carrying a max of 100 lbs
  • Continuously pushing/pulling a max of 35 lbs
  • Occasionally pushing/pulling a max of 75 lbs
  • Rarely pushing/pulling a max of 100 lbs
  • Continuously working outside in changing temperatures
  • Frequently working in wet/humid conditions
  • Continuously working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
  • Occasionally stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
  • Continuously climbing and/or balancing
  • Frequently sitting
  • Continuously standing/walking

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

  • Must have at least a valid Class B CDL
  • Must have a valid DOT Medical Card or able to obtain prior to hire
  • Must be at least 19 years of age
  • No more than 3 moving violations within the last 2 years
  • Must not have any DUI's or OVI's within the last 5 years or 2 in the last 10 years
  • Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
  • Exposure to residential and commercial waste
  • Ability to travel between offices, as required
  • Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
  • Legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
  • Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
  • Must be able to read and speak the English language

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.