1

Recycling Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Trash & Recycling Driver

Durango, CO · On-site

$24 - $28.80/hr

Description Join the City of Durango's Recycling Collection Division as a Trash & Recycling Driver and help support the community's waste and recycling services. In this role, you'll operate ...

Description Join the City of Durango's Recycling Collection Division as a Trash & Recycling Driver and help support the community's waste and recycling services. In this role, you'll operate ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Primary driver of a box truck with lift gate * Assists the Project Manager with the coordination and completion of other employees duties. * Coordinates and oversees completion of assigned tasks in ...

Primary driver of a box truck with lift gate * Assists the Project Manager with the coordination and completion of other employees duties. * Coordinates and oversees completion of assigned tasks in ...

Primary driver of a box truck with lift gate * Assists the Project Manager with the coordination and completion of other employees duties. * Coordinates and oversees completion of assigned tasks in ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Recycling Driver information

See salary details

$12

$20

$25

How much do recycling driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling driver in the United States is $20.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do recycling drivers face and how can they prepare for them?

Recycling Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight residential streets, dealing with inclement weather, and ensuring all recyclable materials are properly sorted and collected according to local regulations. To prepare, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with your route, stay updated on recycling guidelines, and practice safe driving and lifting techniques. Effective communication with dispatchers and team members is also important to resolve issues quickly and keep collections running smoothly.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a recycling driver?

To thrive as a Recycling Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), good driving record, and knowledge of safe driving and waste handling practices. Familiarity with route navigation systems, hydraulic lift controls, and waste collection vehicles is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and reliability help drivers provide excellent service and maintain safety standards. These skills ensure efficient, safe collection and transport of recyclable materials while supporting community sustainability efforts.

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

AspectRecycling DriverWaste Collection Driver
CredentialsValid driver's license, commercial driving license (CDL) often preferredValid driver's license, CDL may be required
Work EnvironmentResidential and commercial areas, recycling centersResidential neighborhoods, waste disposal sites
Industry UsageRecycling and waste management companiesMunicipal waste services, private waste collection firms

Recycling Drivers and Waste Collection Drivers both operate trucks in waste management, but Recycling Drivers focus on collecting recyclable materials, often requiring additional training in handling recyclables. Waste Collection Drivers typically handle general waste. Both roles require similar licensing and work in comparable environments, but their primary responsibilities differ based on the type of waste collected.

What does a recycling driver do?

A Recycling Driver is responsible for collecting recyclable materials from homes, businesses, or recycling centers and transporting them to processing facilities. They operate specialized vehicles, follow designated routes, and ensure that collected materials are properly sorted and handled. Recycling Drivers often interact with the public, promote proper recycling practices, and may be required to inspect recycling bins for contamination. Their work helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and support community recycling programs.
More about Recycling Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Recycling Driver jobs? Cities with the most Recycling Driver job openings:
What states have the most Recycling Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Recycling Driver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Recycling Driver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,637 per year, or $21 per hour.

Curbside Recycling Driver

Ecology Center

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$34.35 - $37.78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Department: RecyclingReporting To: Recycling Program ManagerLocation: Berkeley CAFLSA Status: Full-time, Non- Exempt, HourlyThis is a Union Position  The Ecology CenterThe 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 DescriptionThe 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 termsPrimary 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 reportValid medical certification.Ability to pass a rigorous pre-employment physical fitness evaluation and 5-panel drug screen.Background ScreeningPreferred Qualifications:2 Years of commercial driving experience.HoursThis is a Full-time non-bid union position with 40 hrs per week, Monday through Friday.WageWage 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&DOpen until filled. (Please note that this position posting may close at any time.)NO PHONE CALLS PLEASEWe 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.